19th Annual Veterans Day Parade
Last updated on November 08, 2018
Onsite Contact – Doug Richards, 407-616-7004 (mobile)
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, City Commissioners and the Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council Join the Community to Honor Veterans at the 19th Annual Veterans Day Parade
WHAT:
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, City Commissioners and the Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council will join the community to honor the courageous men and women of the armed forces at the 19th annual City of Orlando Veterans Day Parade in downtown Orlando.
This year’s parade, focused on “Honoring Purple Heart Recipients and Their Families,” will open with a tribute to those who have fought for the country’s freedom, led by Mayor Dyer and local veterans. The Purple Heart is the nation’s oldest military medal, awarded to members of the armed forces wounded in combat. In August 2018, the city was officially named a Purple Heart City, showing further support for Purple Heart veterans, commemorating their sacrifices and welcoming them warmly to the local community.
WHO:
The parade will consist of a variety of participants including men and women from more than 50 Central Florida veteran organizations, active-duty military, high school JROTCs and the University of Central Florida AFROTC. Bands include the Jones High School Marching Tigers, Lake Highland Preparatory School Marching Highlanders, Lake Nona High School Sounds of the Lions and The First Academy Marching Royals.
Three grand marshals, all of whom are Purple Heart veterans, will lead the parade:
- Dana L. Gowen, II served as a First Lieutenant in the Army Infantry, part of a long-standing family tradition of military service. In 1969, he was sent to Vietnam where he received the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Gowen is currently a Military Order of the Purple Heart member at its Orlando Chapter.
- George Lee Hill served for more than 18 years as a Staff Sergeant in the Army Reserve, followed by serving in the Vietnam War. Hill received his Purple Heart in Vietnam when he was struck by enemy round. Hill has served as a City of Orlando District 5 Neighborhood Watch Block Captain for more than 21 years.
- Nathaniel Mulkey served 34 years as a Master Sergeant and an E-8 for the Army Infantry and the Military Police, with many overseas deployments including Egypt, Germany and Iraq. Following his bravery after an IED detonated near his vehicle and an attack on his base camp, Mulkey was awarded the Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge.
WHEN:
Saturday, November 10, 2018
10:45 a.m. – Opening Ceremony
11 a.m. – Parade Starts
**10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Mayor Dyer Media Interview Window**
Media staging area will be at the corner of Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard.
WHERE:
Opening Ceremony:
Located on Orange Avenue near Central Boulevard.
Parade Route:
The parade will begin at Robinson Street and Orange Avenue, traveling south along Orange Avenue to Central Boulevard, traveling east along Central Boulevard to Rosalind Avenue and traveling north along Rosalind Avenue to end at Robinson Street.
ATTENDEE PARKING AND TRAVEL INFORMATION:
Parade spectators should utilize the Central Garage (53 West Central Boulevard) and the Library Garage (112 East Central Boulevard, accessed via Pine Street) for parking.
Road closures associated with parade staging will run from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Orange Avenue, Amelia Street, West Concord Street, Livingston Street and Robinson Street. Closures along the parade route will run from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Central Boulevard and Rosalind Avenue.
For additional information related to the parade, visit CityofOrlando.net/VeteransParade.
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