The annual Owensboro Veterans Day Parade returns Saturday, with organizers expecting a record turnout and more than 50 participating groups.
The parade begins at 2 p.m. Saturday, with participants lining up starting at 1 p.m. near 2nd and Bolivar streets. The route will continue down 2nd, turning north on Daviess Street, then west on Veterans Boulevard, and ending at the VFW Post 696.
Organizer Jessie Hettinger said this year’s parade lineup is one of the largest in recent memory.
“The Shriners will have four groups, the American Legion will have three, and the Sons and Daughters of the Revolution are even putting together a float,” Hettinger said. “It’s going to be a big day.”
This year’s grand marshals are local female veterans who have been leading efforts to create a monument at Shelton Memorial to honor women who have served in the armed forces.
“It’s hard for people to recognize female veterans like they do male veterans,” Hettinger said. “A lot of the women don’t wear their hats or talk about their service. This is a way to shine a light on them and say thank you.”
Owensboro, Apollo, and Daviess County high school ROTC programs will again participate, something Hettinger said she deeply appreciates.
“Those kids have been faithful every year since COVID,” she said. “They help me out a lot before they start marching, and they’ve even carried our banner at the beginning of the parade.”
The parade will also feature longtime traditions, including appearances by police, fire, and ambulance departments, along with the Salvation Army’s historic van and a performer dressed as Uncle Sam closing the procession.
Hettinger, who has organized or assisted with the parade for nearly two decades, said her motivation remains simple.
“It is my way of thanking the veterans for what they have done for us,” she said. “If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be free enough to even have a Veterans Day parade.”
Now approaching 80, Hettinger said she’s grateful for the help of family, friends, and community partners who assist with coordination and participate in the event.
“I’ve been busy on the phone getting everyone lined up, but it’s worth it,” she said. “The veterans fought for us in the rain, shine, cold, and snow. We can show up one day to thank them.”
In addition to the parade, Hettinger said she will take part in a pinning ceremony at Cedarhurst on Veterans Day, where a dozen residents who served in the military will be honored.
“I think that’s going to be awesome,” she said. “It’s just another way to say thank you.”
