Organizers say they changed the date of their Veterans Day parade in Winston-Salem this year to accommodate the schedules of some marching bands and other units.
They also want to increase attendance at the parade, which will be on a Saturday, Nov. 8, rather than on a Tuesday, Nov. 11.
"We had to push it up to Saturday because a number of units, especially some marching bands, were committed to other festivities," said Ernie Kelly, a spokesman for the Forsyth County Veterans Council.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m., starting at Spring and Fourth streets. It will proceed through downtown on Fourth Street and will include 51 floats, marching units and 10 high-school bands.
Charlie Claybourn, a member of veterans council, said that organizers are hoping that this year's parade will attract more people.
"We are delighted with our lineup, and we cordially invite all residents to come out and honor the thousands of Forsyth County veterans who have served our nation proudly," Claybourn said.
Jud Lamphear, a retired Marine master sergeant, will serve as the parade's grand marshal. Lamphear is the commander of American Legion Post 55 in Winston-Salem.
Military floats will include a float with a replica of a submarine, in addition to a Cobra attack helicopter.
The parade will turn right on Liberty Street and end at Second Street.
After the parade, a ceremony to pay tribute to veterans will be held starting about 11:30 a.m. at American Legion Post 55, 111 Miller St., near Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.
Lamphear will speak. Also speaking will be local Veterans Administration officials who will present President Bush's Veterans Day proclamation.
Veterans Day is a national holiday that honors military veterans.
■ John Hinton can be reached at 727-7299 or at jhinton@wsjournal.com.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement