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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Not many Americans can say they love their country so much that they risked their lives for it--except for veterans.

William Sheaves (USA, Lt. Col. – Ret) and John Oliphint II (USAF, Maj. – Ret) are two of those veterans. Both fought in World War II and both will be featured as Grand Marshals Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Colorado Springs Veterans Day Parade.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. in downtown Colorado Springs, at St. Vrain Street, and continues south on Tejon Street, ending at Vermijo Avenue.

“This is just one of the many ways we show support for our country’s service members, veterans and their families,” said TriWest President and CEO David J. McIntyre, Jr., whose company is an event sponsor. “The Veterans Day Parade showcases our country’s pride for its veterans, for these brave men and women who so selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedoms. We’re honored to be a part of this great celebration.”

Tthe Colorado Springs Veterans Day Parade has grown to one of the best in the country. A non-profit organization, the parade’s mission is to honor all veterans and educate the community about their sacrifices in the defense of freedom.

Sheaves was a flight engineer during World War II. The Germans shot down his B-17 over France in 1943. The plane crash-landed in a field.

Oliphint fought in World War II and stormed the beaches during the famous Normandy Invasion. Captured by the Germans, he became a prisoner of war, but escaped by killing his captors and joined the French resistance. He later fought in the Korean War from 1950 to1955, where he was captured again.

Information provided by TriWest.