9 Veterans Day events in Alabama to honor military members

Each year, the country takes a day to honor those who have served in the United States military. Since 1954, Nov. 11 has officially served as the federal holiday known as Veterans Day.

Around Alabama, people will come together to pay their respects while enjoying ceremonies, parades and fellowship. Schools and government offices will be closed along with many businesses.

But there will still be plenty of festivities to enjoy across the state. Keep reading for nine of the biggest ceremonies and parades in Alabama.

Parade in Birmingham | Nov. 11

• What: National Veterans Day Foundation Parade
• When: 1PM, Monday, Nov. 11
• Where: Starts on 18th Street North | Full route
• More info

Hosted by The Greater Alabama Council and the Boy Scouts of America, the National Veterans Day Parade was organized over 70 years ago by WWII veteran and Birmingham native Raymond Weeks—making it the oldest Veterans Day parade in the country. 

Parade in Gadsden | Nov. 6

• What: Season of Honor Parade
• When: 2PM, Wednesday, Nov. 6
• Where: Downtown Gadsden | Broad St, Gadsden, AL, 35901
• More info

The Season of Honor will conclude with the free annual Veterans Day Parade in downtown Gadsden. Those driving cars or vehicles will report to the Courthouse, those with floats will line up on Forrest Avenue, walking units will gather to the Baker tire building, and all bands will report to 1st Avenue for the start of the parade.

Parade in Tuscaloosa | Nov. 6

• What: Veterans Parade at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center
• When: 10AM, Wednesday, Nov. 6
• Where: 3701 Loop Road East, Tuscaloosa, AL
• More info

If you’re looking for another event in Tuscaloosa, check out the city’s Veterans Day Program on Nov. 11. It begins at 10AM at Veterans Memorial Park with Capt. Chad Fleming as the keynote speaker.

Parade in Selma | Nov. 9

• What: Veterans Day Parade
• When: 9AM, Saturday, Nov. 9
• Where: Starts at City Hall | Ends at 905 Water Ave, Selma, AL 36701
• More info

The Restoring Veterans Hope Organization will host a Veterans Day parade to honor all who served. It will be followed by a Paint in the Park event.

Parade in Montgomery | Nov. 11

• What: Veterans Day Parade
• When: 9AM, Monday, Nov. 11
• Where: Court Square Fountain, 1 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104
• More info

After the parade, the city will host a ceremony at Riverwalk Stadium starting at noon.

Parade in Huntsville | Nov. 11

• What: 2024 Veterans Day Parade
• When: 11AM, Monday, Nov. 11
• Where: Downtown Huntsville | Route
• More info

Plan on spending pre-parade time at the Monroe Street pre-parade show or strolling around Big Spring Park before the parade begins. Enjoy the parade from any location along the marching route, and plan to stay for the displays and the festivities in Big Spring Park.

Parade in Mobile | Nov. 11

• What: Mobile Bay Area Veterans Commission Parade
• When: 10AM, Monday, Nov. 11
• Where: Downtown Mobile | Route
• More info

The day in Mobile will get started at 7AM with a flag raising ceremony before the parade. Then it will conclude with a Parade of Flags and Patriotic Concert at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park.

Ceremony at American Village | Nov. 11

• What: Veterans Day at the American Village
• When: 10AM-3PM, Monday, Nov. 11
• Where: 3727 Highway 119 South, Montevallo, AL 35115
• More info

The American Village will hold its an annual ceremony with a Veterans Day Salute. The event includes family-friendly activities, a service at the Colonial Chapel at 11 AM, and a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Veterans Shrine.

Ceremony in Auburn | Nov. 11

• What: Veterans Day Ceremony
• When: 10AM, Monday, Nov. 11
• Where: Auburn Veterans Memorial Monument, 200 N Ross St, Auburn, AL 36830
• More info

Mayor Ron Anders will officiate the ceremony, and U.S. Army veteran Jake Norotsky with the Wounded Warrior Project will be the speaker. The East Samford School Choir will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Land That We Love.” Bagpiper Dan Drummond will conclude the ceremony with a performance of “Amazing Grace.”

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