The American Legion Veterans Day Parade in Russellville will be held beginning from the A.W. Todd Center with line-up at 1:30 p.m. The parade will begin about 2 p.m.

“Veterans Day is an appreciation to the living veterans,” said Grant Atkins, one of the parade coordinators. “Franklin County has a long history of support for the military, and patriotism runs deep in our communities and families.”

Atkins said the parade, held annually for many years now, is always well attended. The route will run up Jackson Avenue from Big Star, turn at Cotaco Street and loop back down Washington Avenue, after which the VFW will host a reception at the A.W. Todd Center for veterans and the public, Atkins said. The VFW reception will also honor the local police officer of the year and firefighter of the year.

“We welcome any participation in the parade – if there are veterans who want to assemble with us at the Todd Center, there will be antique cars they can ride in, and they can ride in the Army trucks,” Atkins said, adding that there will also be a group of veterans walking.

As outlined by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, in November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory.” The 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, in 1954 removed the word “Armistice” and inserted in its place the word “Veterans.” In the same year, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation.

Any and all groups are welcome to signup to participate in Russellville’s American Legion Veterans Day Parade or find out more information by calling Atkins 256-332-2332. The RHS band and JROTC will march in the parade, and the Boy Scouts and Shriners are also set to participate.