This Sunday, November 11, is Veterans Day.

Growing up, my family always made sure to fly our flag on this day, as my father, and many others in the family, were retired from the Navy. We would watch the patriotic movies that were being run on local television stations. What we never did, though, was go to a parade. Not because we wouldn’t have but because there weren’t any for us to attend.  

Fortunately, times have changed.

 In Louisville, we will be honoring the services and sacrifices of both veterans and active duty military with a Veterans Day parade and other activities in downtown Louisville this Sunday, November 11,  at 2:00 p.m.

The parade, which will feature military bands, active and retired veterans’ organizations, restored military vehicles, re-enactors and service organization, will begin at 4^th and Liberty Streets, proceed north to Main St then head west, ending at 9^th Street. The parade will be led by a Joint Services Color Guard which will include members of all five branches of the armed forces. After the last unit passes, veterans and their families will be invited to join the procession and follow the parade to its end. Special bleachers are being installed for those who are unable to walk the entire route.

Other features of the Veterans Day event include:

• C-130 planes from the KY Air National Guard at the start of the parade.
• A musical program at 1:30 p.m. at 9^th and Main St.
• Post-parade ceremonies to recognize service groups such as the Tuskegee Airmen, Montford Point Marines, Order of the Purple Heart and more.
• Displays of vintage military vehicles.
• Performance by the vocal group, “Ladies of Liberty”
• A special display in front of the Frazier Museum of Kentucky’s “40 et 8” boxcar, a gift from France in 1949 to show appreciation for America’s donation of food and life necessities in 1948.
• A supply drive for care packages for military personnel serving overseas.
• Attractions along “Museum Row” on Main St., including the Frazier Museum, Louisville Slugger Museum and the Louisville Science Center, will offer special programs or discounted admission on Sunday.

For the second year, Louisville’s Veterans Day celebration is the result of the planning by an all-volunteer committee comprised of local veterans and service organizations.

“I’ve heard from so many people who were thrilled and moved by last year’s parade which was the first in Louisville in many years, so I know we will have a huge turnout this Veterans Day,” Fischer said. “These veterans deserve our respect and thanks and I hope all Louisvillians will come out and help salute these brave men and women.”

For more information, visit http://www.louisvilleky.gov/Mayor/News/2012/11-1-12+vets+parade.htm

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock/mashurov