St. Augustine continues its 450th celebration in a spectacular parade this Veteran’s Day, honoring all those who serve our country. This free event serves as a tribute for those who have secured our freedom in the past and who will continue to defend it in the future.
Marchers in the parade represent past, present, and future service members. The celebration also features veteran reenactors, Color Guards from the Florida National Guard, Junior ROTC drill teams, and more! The Navy Region South East Band, St. Augustine High School and Ponte Vedra High School marching bands will provide patriotic parade music during the festivities. An award ceremony will take place in front of the Castillo de San Marcos, and prizes will be awarded to JROTC marching units, a sure to be thrilling ceremony against the tableau backdrop of over 30 veteran and civic organizations that represent more than 23,000 veterans living in St. John’s County.
This honorable event will include displays on the Castillo grounds, a Coast Guard helicopter and patrol boats and a combination of both Army and National Guard vehicles and weapons. Additionally, Stearman vintage biplanes will be available for a flyover experience of the festivities.
The parade is organized by the 450th Military Commemoration Committee, the Veteran Council of St. John’s County and the Ancient City Chapter of Military Officers Association of America. Veterans from the Clyde Lassen Veterans Home, as well as those who served in WWII and the Korean war will be in attendance.
The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. on November 11 from Francis Field and hits Avenida Menendez, Cathedral Place, Cordova Street and ends at Francis Field. For more information, visit the 450th Military Commemoration Committee’s website.
