Veterans Day Parade celebrates record participation with Special C-130 Flyover

Downtown Macon will come alive with patriotism on Sunday, November 8, as the annual Macon Veterans Day Parade brings the community together to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation. This year's parade will feature its largest participation to date, along with a special C-130 flyover from Robins Air Force Base to kick off the celebration at 3:00 p.m.

Hosted by the International Cherry Blossom Festival, the parade will feature more than 20 veteran-specific entries, representing military service, sacrifice, remembrance, and the continued commitment to honoring our nation's heroes. Among this year's participants are:

• Rolling Thunder Georgia Chapter 3: Middle Georgia's own chapter will feature a POW/MIA memorial "Chair of Honor," recognizing American service members who remain prisoners of war or missing in action.
• Military Gold Star Family: Cathy Krattli, a Gold Star Mother whose son, U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Billy Taylor, was killed in Iraq in 2005, will participate in honor of her son's service and sacrifice.
• National Montford Point Marine Association, Chapter 35 - Warner Robins: This organization honors the pioneering African American Marines who served between 1942 and 1949 at the segregated Montford Point training camp in New River, North Carolina, helping pave the way for future generations of Marines.
• Middle Georgia Honor Flight: This volunteer-supported organization provides eligible veterans with free, one-day trips to Washington, D.C., to visit the national memorials dedicated to their service.

The parade will also feature several Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts, American Legion posts, additional veterans organizations, patriotic motorcycle groups, and floats. Local businesses, civic organizations, and community members will join the procession, making this year's Veterans parade the largest in its history with over 75 units and demonstrating Middle Georgia's overwhelming appreciation for those who have served.

The parade will begin near Terminal Station and proceed through Downtown Macon toward First Street. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early and secure their viewing spots ahead of the C-130 flyover scheduled for 3:00 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. Families are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue, bring American flags, and line the streets to give participating veterans and military families the hometown salute they deserve.

The Macon Veterans Day Parade is proudly presented by Amazon, Synovus Bank, Georgia Access, 21st Century Partnership, Macon-Bibb County, 41NBC, and Cumulus Media and organized by the Cherry Blossom Festival.