Monroe County’s Second Annual Veterans Day Parade will be held Saturday, November 11, 2023. The parade will kick off at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of South Goodman Street and Highland Avenue and proceed up Highland Avenue to the Greater Rochester Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Gary Beikirch Park on South Avenue.
“I encourage all Monroe County residents to join us in honoring our heroes, past and present at this year’s Veterans Day Parade,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “Let’s celebrate their unwavering dedication and sacrifices, and show our gratitude for their service. Together, we will make this parade a fitting tribute to those who selflessly defend our freedom. I hope to see you there!”
The Grand Marshal of this year’s parade will be Monroe County Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. He is a 35-year veteran of local law enforcement who served three years of active duty with the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer and continued his service with the U.S. Army Reserve, 98th Division for an additional 19 years before retiring in 2005 as a Master Sergeant, Brigade Anti- Terrorism and Training Non-commissioned officer. Last year’s Grand Marshal was longtime radio host Alan “Brother Wease” Levin — who served three tours with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
“Veterans Day is the day that we recognize and honor the noble men and women who have served our great country, so that all Americans may enjoy freedom,” said Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter. “I am proud to serve as this year’s parade Grand Marshal and even prouder to have served our nation in the U.S. Army. THANK YOU to the men and women who protect with courage and strength, inspire bravery, and endure sacrifice. Your selfless service will never go unnoticed. We are forever grateful to our Freedom Fighters.”
The parade will include musical marching units, veterans’ service organizations, law enforcement, military-style vehicles, high-ranking active duty service members and groups representing veterans of all eras and military branches. Additionally, a group of 50 individuals and families who found red-tinted roses as part of the county’s Never Forget Roses scavenger hunt partnership with the Veteran’s Outreach Center are invited to bring their roses and march in the parade.
A family-oriented Honor Ceremony featuring music and local food vendors will immediately follow at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Any organization interested in registering to participate in the parade and honor ceremony should visit https://www.monroecounty.gov/vsa-parade for more information and an application.
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