The Owensboro-Daviess County Veterans Association is set to host its annual Veterans Day parade this Saturday. Jessie Hettinger, organizer and member of the association, said the parade will feature a record number of participants this year.
The parade will begin at 2 p.m., with line-up starting at 1 p.m. Hettinger said the ROTC units from local high schools will serve as grand marshals, acknowledging their consistent support for veterans’ programs in the area.
“These kids show up to every event we ask them to,” Hettinger said. “This year, I made them the grand marshals, and they’re really excited about it.”
In addition to the ROTC units, the parade will feature several veteran groups, color guards, local police vehicles, pageant winners, and the historic 4080 train operated by Rex March, which will offer veterans a chance to ride.
“We’re letting any veteran who wants to ride the train join us. It’s a chance for them to be part of something special,” Hettinger said, noting that participants include a 93-year-old Korean War veteran and a WWII veteran who recently took an Honor Flight.
The parade will also feature local groups and military vehicles, including old Jeeps and a Salvation Army canteen truck. Hettinger expressed excitement over the support the event has gained this year, crediting the community’s appreciation for veterans as a driving force.
“I think more people want to show their appreciation. Even kids are showing their respect, shaking hands with veterans when they see them in uniform,” she said.
The event is traditionally held on the Saturday before Veterans Day to increase attendance and has grown steadily since the pandemic. Hettinger said she’s optimistic about the weather.
“We’ve lucked out with the weather in the past, and I’m hoping it holds off again,” she said. “More people are stepping up to be involved, which means so much for our veterans and their families.”
The route will run along Veterans Boulevard to honor all of the nation’s veterans. From the form-up point at Clay and 2nd Streets, the route will go west on 2nd Street to Daviess Street, then north on Daviess Street to Veterans Boulevard, past the Shelton Memorial and Gold Star Monument to the intersection with Frederica Street, and finally disperse to the west.
The parade has been a part of Owensboro for over a century.
