Orlando Honors its Veterans at the 20th Annual Veterans Day Parade

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – For 20 years Orlando has honored its veterans by with its annual Veterans Day Parade Saturday. This year’s parade theme was about honoring World War II veterans who fought to keep our country safe and free.

The city honored World War II veterans with grand marshals who fought during many famous battles during World War II. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orlando City Commissioners, and the Mayor’s Veteran Advisory Council highlighted the World War II veterans during the opening ceremony, allowing some of them to talk to the audience about what they’ve sacrificed and the battles that they fought in.

After the ceremony honoring World War II veterans, the parade commenced with Mayor Dyer and World War II veteran grand marshals leading the parade. Other groups up front included many of the different departments from the local and county government. The Orlando Police Department, Orange County Sheriff Department, and Orlando Fire Department had their honor guard marching and vehicles out.

Many veteran- and active duty military-focused organizations participated in the parade, including Lake Nona Veterans Club, Navy Exchange Orlando, Air Force Association, Women Veterans Helping Veteran Women, UCF Veterans History Project, and many more.

Also, walking in the parade were many ROTC and JROTC chapters from around Central Florida, including University of Central Florida and Florida State University. Several high schools had their JROTC chapters walking in the parade as well, including Oak Ridge High School Air Force JROTC, East River High School Army JROTC, Evans High School Navy JROTC and Colonial High School Air Force JROTC.

The annual Orlando Veterans Day Parade shows that Orlando cares about its veterans and honors them. The Orlando Veterans Day Parade is a great way that the community shows its support for veterans and all they have given to our country.