For service and dedication beyond the call of duty to our nation we honor our veterans. Throughout the state veterans and their loved ones will gather for numerous free events, parades and tributes. Among the celebration is the National Veterans Day parade in downtown . This is one of the largest and oldest celebration of its kind in the nation. This parade features more than 5,000 participants, 15 bands and 50 floats, and during the event you'll have a chance to view military vehicles and equipment up close in Anniston during the city’s Annual Veterans Day Parade.
In children and adults alike will have the opportunity to climb aboard a WWII Battleship, the USS Alabama in Mobile and enjoy a free Pops concert at Battleship Memorial Park. During the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Celebration the downtown parade kicks off events followed by a Veterans Appreciation luncheon at Fort Whiting Auditorium at noon. Bring the camera to be sure to catch the Freedom Celebration when local school children participate in a parade of flags at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Afterwards, enjoy the free Pops Band concert. Call 251-433-2703 for more details.
The Alexander City Mayor and city leaders will gather to pay their respects during the Alexander City Veterans Day Service at the Veteran’s Memorial Park. The ceremony honors Alabama veterans of the Confederacy, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. Call 256-329-6736 for a full schedule of events.
In at the Civic Center they kick off the day with a Veterans Day Parade that winds through downtown, featuring the Fairhope High School Band, the Veteran of the Year, and veterans organizations. The festivities begin and end at Fairhope Civic Center. Call Joe Birendelli at 251-928-3292 for additional information.
Among the other festivities to honor Veterans are:
The Athens Veterans Day Parade and Celebration in downtown Athens and at the VFW Lodge. The parade begins at Athens High School, winding through the downtown streets (256-374-2072, 256-374-2073). Gather at the VFW Lodge on Elm Street in Athens for the Veterans Day Celebration that begins at 11 a.m. followed by a meal afterwards. (256-233-1067).
Shelby County Veterans Day Ceremony & Tribute takes place at the Shelby County Courthouse lawn in Columbiana. For more details call 256-699-9075.
The Huntsville Veterans Day Parade begins on Clinton Avenue downtown. The theme for this year's Veterans Day parade is “Courage, Sacrifice, and Duty – Heroes Among Us.” The parade can be viewed in person or live on TV station WAFF 48. During the event a flag at the corner of Williams and Lowe Avenues will be raised to full mast followed by taps and a three-volley rifle salute. Call 256-533-4848 for more details.
At the War Memorial Park on Kowaliga Road you can join the Eclectic Veterans Day program. During the event Rep. Barry Mask and Eclectic Mayor Gary Wright will speak, and the local Boy Scouts will present a program about the flag. This special program will also include a flag burning ceremony. Anyone who has a flag to be retired can call Jeanne Osborne at 541-2824 for more info. If rain, the program will be held at the Eclectic Senior Citizens Center.
In children and adults alike will have the opportunity to climb aboard a WWII Battleship, the USS Alabama in Mobile and enjoy a free Pops concert at Battleship Memorial Park. During the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Celebration the downtown parade kicks off events followed by a Veterans Appreciation luncheon at Fort Whiting Auditorium at noon. Bring the camera to be sure to catch the Freedom Celebration when local school children participate in a parade of flags at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Afterwards, enjoy the free Pops Band concert. Call 251-433-2703 for more details.
The Alexander City Mayor and city leaders will gather to pay their respects during the Alexander City Veterans Day Service at the Veteran’s Memorial Park. The ceremony honors Alabama veterans of the Confederacy, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. Call 256-329-6736 for a full schedule of events.
In at the Civic Center they kick off the day with a Veterans Day Parade that winds through downtown, featuring the Fairhope High School Band, the Veteran of the Year, and veterans organizations. The festivities begin and end at Fairhope Civic Center. Call Joe Birendelli at 251-928-3292 for additional information.
Among the other festivities to honor Veterans are:
The Athens Veterans Day Parade and Celebration in downtown Athens and at the VFW Lodge. The parade begins at Athens High School, winding through the downtown streets (256-374-2072, 256-374-2073). Gather at the VFW Lodge on Elm Street in Athens for the Veterans Day Celebration that begins at 11 a.m. followed by a meal afterwards. (256-233-1067).
Shelby County Veterans Day Ceremony & Tribute takes place at the Shelby County Courthouse lawn in Columbiana. For more details call 256-699-9075.
The Huntsville Veterans Day Parade begins on Clinton Avenue downtown. The theme for this year's Veterans Day parade is “Courage, Sacrifice, and Duty – Heroes Among Us.” The parade can be viewed in person or live on TV station WAFF 48. During the event a flag at the corner of Williams and Lowe Avenues will be raised to full mast followed by taps and a three-volley rifle salute. Call 256-533-4848 for more details.
At the War Memorial Park on Kowaliga Road you can join the Eclectic Veterans Day program. During the event Rep. Barry Mask and Eclectic Mayor Gary Wright will speak, and the local Boy Scouts will present a program about the flag. This special program will also include a flag burning ceremony. Anyone who has a flag to be retired can call Jeanne Osborne at 541-2824 for more info. If rain, the program will be held at the Eclectic Senior Citizens Center.
By Melody Schubert
Plan Trip To Alabama:
To learn more about events, attractions, and trip planning options for your trip to Alabama visit the Alabama Department of Tourism website.
Photo Credits: Jim Stapleton on Unsplash
