ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Each year The Veterans National Committee recognizes a select group of Veterans Day ceremonies across the country to serve as models for other communities to follow in planning their own observances. This year, the committee has honored Roanoke as a regional site for the 2023 Veterans Day Commemoration.
This year’s list includes 66 ceremonies throughout 34 states and the District of Columbia, and the Virginia Veterans Parade in Roanoke is one of two communities selected in Virginia.
This year’s parade will take place on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, in Downtown Roanoke beginning at 11 a.m. It will feature a military flyover, as well as over 60 parade entries including bands from local high schools and the Virginia Tech Corp of Cadet Highty Tighties. Visitors can thank a veteran in-person at the Market Building starting at 9:30 a.m.
This year’s reviewing officer will be Roanoke’s own Major General Lapthe Flora, a founding member of the Veterans Council and the first Vietnamese refugee to reach the rank of general in the U.S. Army.
“We hope this national recognition of the Parade as the regional celebration location for our veterans will encourage even more people to come out and participate as volunteers, entrants, or spectators,” said Daniel Wickham, Veterans Council President, “We would love to see 2023’s parade be our biggest event yet.”
For more information including the parade route, parking, and how you can get involved, visit virginiaveteransparade.org.
