Shreveport Gears Up for a Heartfelt Veterans Celebration
As the leaves turn and a hint of fall fills the air, Shreveport, Louisiana is buzzing with excitement for the upcoming Veterans Celebration Committee’s annual honor ceremony and parade. This long-standing tradition, which began in 2011, aims to honor our brave veterans in connection with the cherished Veterans Day. It’s a time when the community comes together to show appreciation for those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
Mark Your Calendars: Honor Ceremony on November 9
The first event to kick off the weekend is the Veterans Honor Ceremony, set for Saturday, November 9 at 5 p.m. It will be held at the historic Shreveport Municipal Auditorium. This year, attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear from an inspiring guest speaker, Capt. Marilyn Medallon, who is sure to bring insights and stories that resonate with everyone present. The ceremony is not just for veterans; it’s open to the public, inviting family, friends, and anyone wishing to pay tribute to our heroes.
Join the Parade: Fun for Everyone on November 10
After the ceremony, the celebrations continue with the exciting Veterans Parade, which will roll out on Sunday, November 10 at 2 p.m. from the Louisiana State Fairgrounds. It’s the 14th annual Veterans Parade – a milestone event! This year’s grand marshal is none other than the remarkable Mr. Sam Archie Mattox, a 105-year-old WWII veteran. How amazing is that? The community is invited to come out in droves to cheer, show their respect, and make some noise in honor of our veterans.
A Call for Parade Participants
There’s still time to get involved! The committee is actively seeking participants for the parade. Groups of all kinds are welcome to join the festivities; whether you’re part of a marching band, cheerleading squad, church group, or a veterans organization, there’s plenty of space for more volunteers. Ken Epperson, the committee chair and Caddo commissioner, shared, “We want you all to come out and please honor and recognize our veterans.” If you want to participate, reach out to Epperson at (318) 773-2654 or via email at [email protected]. It’s a fantastic opportunity to be part of something bigger than ourselves!
Admission and Parking: Free for Veterans and Their Families
One of the best parts? Admission and parking are free for veterans and their families. This generous offer is a heartfelt gesture to ensure that those who have served can enjoy the day without the worry of costs. It truly conveys how much the community values its veterans and wants to give back to them.
Come Together and Celebrate
This weekend promises to be filled with joy, gratitude, and camaraderie as Shreveport comes together to celebrate its veterans. Whether you’re attending the ceremony or taking part in the parade, it’s a perfect chance to connect with fellow citizens and express appreciation for those who have served. Don’t miss this opportunity to honor true heroes. Mark your calendars, gather your family and friends, and let’s show our veterans just how much they mean to us!
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
