City of Orlando 20th Annual Veterans Day Parade
Last updated on November 08, 2019
WHAT:
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and his Veterans Advisory Council will honor the courageous men and women of the armed forces at the 20th annual City of Orlando Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 9, 2019, in downtown Orlando.
This year’s parade will open with a tribute to those who have fought for our country and defended our freedom, led by Mayor Dyer and local veterans. The parade’s theme is “Honoring WWII Veterans” in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of D-Day. All five of the parade’s Grand Marshals served during WWII; three of them were present on the beaches of Normandy during the D-Day invasion.
WHO:
The parade will consist of a variety of participants including men and women from more than 45 Central Florida veteran organizations, active-duty military, high school JROTCs and the UCF Air Force and Army ROTCs. Bands include the Bishop Moore Catholic High School Black & Gold Brigade, the Lake Nona High School Band, the Lake Highland Preparatory School Marching Highlanders, and The First Academy Marching Royals.
Three grand marshals, all of whom are WWII veterans, will lead the parade:
- Lt. Bill Peterson, a P-51 fighter pilot out of Iwo Jima, was in the air circling the Battleship Missouri during the Japanese surrender.
- Chief Master Sgt. Mel Jenner, the recipient of two Distinguished Flying Cross medals, flew 46 bomber missions out of England. His last combat mission was over the beaches of Normandy on D-Day.
- Major Jack Hallett, a P-38 and P-47 fighter pilot, flew 104 missions out of England and France. One of those missions had him flying top cover over the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. He is also a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross medal.
- Lt. Don Holmes flew 31 missions in a B-52 bomber out of England as a navigator-bombardier. He is the recipient of four Air Medals and the French Legion of Honor medal.
WHEN:
Saturday, November 9, 2019
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:
The opening ceremony will take place at Orange Avenue near Central Boulevard. The parade will begin at Robinson Street and Orange Avenue, turning left on Central Boulevard, left on Rosalind Avenue and ending at Robinson Street.
ATTENDEE PARKING AND TRAVEL INFORMATION:
Parade spectators should utilize the Central Garage (55 West Central Boulevard) and the Library Garage (112 East Central Boulevard 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 information on parking and road closures related to the parade, visit Orlando.gov/VeteransParade.
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