Houston Salutes American Heroes
Houston
Houston has a lot of active military members and veterans, and the city has long been known for throwing one of the most lavish Veterans Day parades in the country. But in 2017, for the first time in decades, the parade was canceled because of Hurricane Harvey. The city still held its Houston Salutes American Heroes celebration with a road race and ceremonies, and organizers have promised that the full-scale parade will return this year. About 10,000 guests usually attend the parade. The event also holds a job, resource and health fair for veterans.
Veterans Homecoming Week
Branson, Missouri
Veterans are honored every day in Branson, Missouri, the entertainment capital of the Midwest. Nearly all the city’s dozens of music and comedy shows feature a patriotic segment with special recognition of veterans in attendance. So it only makes sense that the community goes all out for Veterans Day. Branson features so many festivities that the city has organized a series of events called Veterans Homecoming Week. Though the main attraction is the parade on Veterans Day, groups should plan to come several days earlier to enjoy limited-engagement entertainment in the local theaters, as well as memorial services, a military film festival and various reunions.
Chicago’s Memorial Day Parade
Chicago
Chicago first held a Memorial Day parade in 1870 and has celebrated the holiday ever since. Locals claim that the parade has grown larger and better every year, with as many as 6,000 marchers in the procession on South Street. Spectators see representatives from every branch of the armed services, as well as the junior ROTC, and get up-close looks at some seriously impressive military machinery. The parade is preceded by a wreath-laying ceremony at Daley Plaza and features special recognition of Gold Star families that have lost a loved one in war.
