Kentucky Veterans Parade and Celebration

UNIT PARTICIPATION RESTRICTED TO MILITARY/VETERANS' ORGS OR THOSE WHO SERVE THEM. 2011: In Louisville, the tradition of a Veterans Day Parade was revived. 500 Veterans and supporters took part

2012: The parade had 900 participants.

2013: Merging the parade and Massing of Colors brought more than 10,000 spectators and 1000 participants downtown to Honor all who have and are serving.

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014: 12,000 spectators and 1050 participants honored the community’s veterans with an incredible celebration! The event was highlighted with the attendance of (3) Medal of Honor Recipients and 1200 school children saluting them! The event continues to be funded entirely through sponsorships and private donations. The Mayor's Special Events and Communications Offices support it through in-kind services.

2015: Grand Marshals represented each branch of service during WWII with a male and female veteran. Participation and attendance continue to grow (15,000 spectators and 103 units and 1500 school children)

2016 WWII Veterans Charles Hocker and Frank Weaver served as Grand Marshals, leading 80 units down the route.

2017: Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana Brownie Troops participated to earn their Celebrating Community Badge. The American Flag was honored and presented as the Grand Marshal.

2018: Honoring Ft. Knox 100th Anniversary, Commanding General John Evans represented the men and women who have served our community and all that Ft. Knox continues to mean to our community. UPS Sponsorship allowed Girl Scouts who participated to achieve a custom parade patch.

2019: The Greatest Generation was honored as our Grand Marshal. 12 WWII Veterans joined us along the route. For the first time Ft Campbell 101st Charlie Company joined with a platoon and Honor Guard.

2020: Change parade name to encompass all of Kentucky: Kentucky Veterans Day Parade

2021: The “reverse parade” model was once again in play. GOLD STAR FAMILIES were represented as our Grand Marshals. A partnership was formed with the City of Middletown of Metro Louisville

2022: “Reverse parade” format was once again used and the venue opened to the public to walk the area. Grand Marshal’s Colonel Bruce Bancroft and his wife, Marcy representing the families of the 123rd Kentucky Air National Guard.

2023: This was the birth year for 3 components: Rendezvous, Traditional Parade and Static Displays. The Grand Marshal was Marj Graves, a veteran Army nurse - retired. Attendance estimated at 3000+ . 71 units and 30 displays

2024: Rolling Parade (Rendezvous 24) from Middletown, Okolona, PRP, Southern Indiana/2nd St Bridge
o Traditional Parade: Jefferson Street from 7th to 4th streets in downtown Louisville
o Static Display Celebration: 6th and Jefferson and surrounding area. o Each of the TV network stations partnered with the event, highlighting a Rendezvous route along with the overall event
o Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Don “Doc” Ballard, representing the Armed Forces Medic Corps served as Grand Marshal