Nation’s oldest Veterans Day parade returns to Birmingham: route, time, how to watch

The 77th annual National Veterans Day Parade will take place in downtown Birmingham on Monday, November 11th.

The parade celebrates the national holiday, officially enacted by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1954, and is the longest-running parade of its kind in the country.

As the successor to the earlier Armistice Day, Veterans Day was first celebrated in Birmingham in 1947. “Although Veterans Day is now recognized as a federal and state holiday in every state, Birmingham’s celebration remains the largest in the country,” the website Bhamwiki says.

Among the sights of the 2024 parade, spectators can expect to see a riderless horse named Hank the Tank. The A decorated horse or capped horse – a term that refers to wearing a saddle or decorative blanket – is a tradition at military parades, including funerals. Hank is led through the parade by “Cap Runner” Grant Hardy, who serves with the Old Guard at Arlington Cemetery.

Other organizations such as local Shriners, a mix of veterans service organizations, members of the U.S. Armed Forces and Alabama military supporters, as well as local color guards, high school bands and drill teams will also be present at the parade.

“Each year we want to pay tribute to our country’s veterans who have made immense sacrifices for our freedom,” Mark Ryan, president of the National Veterans Day Foundation, said in a news release. “We are excited to reach more veterans than ever before by offering live streaming services for those who cannot attend in person.”

Learn more about the parade below.

When is the parade?

The parade will take place on Monday, November 11th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m

Where is the parade route?

The route begins on 18th Street at the Alabama Power building, passes City Hall on 19th Street and ends at City Walk. However, the route will be slightly different this year. It will wind through various historic blocks in downtown Birmingham. Below is a map of the parade route.

How can I stream the parade online?

If you are unable to watch the parade in person, there will be a live broadcast on nationalveteransday.org beginning at 1:30 p.m. The 30-minute delay is due to the parade reaching the spectator stand at City Hall.

Will the parade be canceled if the weather is bad?

The parade is expected to take place regardless of rain. The current weather forecast is for cloudy skies early in the morning, with the sun expected to shine brightly until the afternoon. According to the National Weather Service, Birmingham will see a high of 75 and a low of 62. However, if it rains, spectators can stay dry and watch the parade on the covered streets of City Walk.

Is there a route map of the parade?

See the map below.

The route through downtown Birmingham for the 2024 National Veteran’s Day Parade. https://nationalveteransday.org/parade

To learn more about Veterans Day plans, visit the parade’s Facebook page.