Monroe County to hold first-ever Veterans Day Parade

Rochester, New York – Veterans will be honored at the first-ever Veterans Day Parade in Monroe County, according to an announcement made on Wednesday by Executive Adam Bello.

On November 12th, the parade will start at 10:30 a.m. It will begin at the intersection of South Goodman Street and Highland Avenue and move up to Gary Beikirch Memorial Park’s Greater Rochester Vietnam Veterans Memorial on South Avenue.

Although the local heroes are honored at numerous city events, Rochester has one of the highest concentrations of veterans in the Finger Lakes region, and they have never before been honored at a large-scale county march.

The parade will offer a chance for the community to admire those who served at the level they deserve, according to Rochester Mayor Malik Evans.

“Join in celebrating the men and women who have served in our military, putting themselves at risk to serve our country,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans.

“A parade is a great way to draw attention to the veterans in our community and to show the younger generation that these men and women deserve our honor and respect.”

The Grand Marshal will be veteran radio personality Alan “Brother Wease” Levin, who served three tours in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Leading the parade showcase will be high-ranking active-duty military personnel, veterans’ service organizations, law enforcement, military-style vehicles, and musical marching units.

Following the procession are family-friendly activities including music and food stands selling regional cuisine.

Local veteran affairs group officials expressed their excitement for the future.

“I’m so glad Monroe County is taking the lead on bringing the Veterans Day parade to Rochester,” said Veterans Outreach Center Executive Director Laura Stradley.