Americus and Sumter County are known for supporting U.S. military veterans. From P.O.W. reunions to veterans' parades, the area has a long history of paying tribute to its vets.

This past weekend, many area residents celebrated Veterans Day, and Perry Wellness Center joined in the tribute and festivities by participating in the Veterans Day parade. A group of peers and staff assembled at the Sumter County Courthouse on an early, chilly morning recently. They joined a large crowd to hear a speech by Ret. Master Sgt. Randy Goodman of Marietta, in which he paid fitting tribute to the nation’s veterans.

After the speech was completed, peers headed to a waiting vehicle – a new parade float, ready for its maiden voyage. Designed and built by talented staff member Jeff Williams, the float joined others on the Veterans Day parade route. While some peers rode on the float, other walked the parade route.

The newly built, enclosed trailer will be used in the future for area festival celebrations. It is designed as a food trailer, and Perry Wellness Center founder and CEO looks forward to its future. “It is important for us to carry the Perry Wellness Center name to small and larger towns,” Stuart says. “What better way to communicate with festival guests than with a new food trailer? I have visited many festival sites and believe that offering food is a good lead for our company.”

We look forward to many future parades, festivals, and celebrations with our newest construction.

In the photo above, veterans and state representative Bill McGowan joins peers and staff as they load up the colorful Perry Wellness Center float for the Veterans Day parade.