Bend celebrates 25th annual Veterans Day Parade
Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — Downtown Bend will welcome veterans, military families and community members Wednesday as the city celebrates its 25th annual Veterans Day Parade, honoring generations of military service and sacrifice.
The parade begins at 11 a.m. and is scheduled to run until 1 p.m., bringing together veterans, local organizations and spectators for one of Central Oregon’s annual Veterans Day traditions.
This year’s theme, “Saluting Our Veterans: 250 Years of Service and Sacrifice,” recognizes America’s 250th anniversary while honoring those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Leading the parade as grand marshal is 101-year-old Bend resident Joseph W. Sharpe, a World War II veteran who served 28 years in the U.S. Army before retiring as a sergeant major in 1971.
Sharpe enlisted in 1943 at age 18. His military career included service during World War II, assignments in Germany and Japan, and work training future generations of soldiers.
The parade is scheduled to begin with a Civil Air Patrol flyover, followed by the Rolling Thunder motorcycle group leading the procession through downtown Bend.
The route begins on Northwest Harmon Boulevard, crosses the Newport Avenue Veterans Memorial Bridge and continues south along Wall Street. From there, the procession turns west onto Franklin Avenue, follows Riverside Boulevard around Drake Park and returns to Northwest Harmon Boulevard via Galveston Avenue.
Organized by Central Oregon Veterans Outreach (COVO), the event is free and open to the public.
Accessible parking is available behind Bend City Hall on Wall Street and at 710 Northwest Newport Avenue. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early and follow posted parking restrictions along the parade route.
Beyond the celebration, COVO works throughout the year to connect Central Oregon veterans with housing assistance, health care resources and basic necessities.
Organizers say the annual parade provides an opportunity for the community to recognize military service while remembering the importance of supporting veterans beyond Veterans Day.
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