The annual Owensboro Veterans Day Parade returns this Saturday, expected to draw a record crowd and feature over 50 groups. Participants will begin lining up at 1 p.m.
The procession will proceed down 2nd Street, turn north onto Daviess Street, then head west on Veterans Boulevard, concluding at the VFW Post 696.
Organizer Jessie Hettinger noted this year’s parade will be one of the largest in recent years. She said,
“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. It’s going to be a big day.”
This year’s grand marshals are local female veterans who have championed the creation of a monument at Shelton Memorial to honor women who served in the armed forces.
“It’s hard for people to recognize female veterans like they do male veterans,” Hettinger explained. “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.”
High school ROTC programs from Owensboro, Apollo, and Daviess County will again participate. Hettinger expressed her gratitude:
“Those kids have been faithful every year since COVID. They help me out a lot before they start marching, and they’ve even carried our banner at the beginning of the parade.”
Summary: The Owensboro Veterans Day Parade promises a large turnout, focusing on honoring female veterans as grand marshals and showcasing strong community support through ROTC involvement.