David Pipes,
State Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars
Photo by: Steve Berrios
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The annual Veterans Day parade is set to step off later this morning.
Veterans Day is an annual United States holiday honoring military veterans.
The City of Jacksonville says it will honor true American heroes: our veterans and active-duty military.
PICTURES: Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade 2011
Today's parade features more than 3,500 participants including grand marshals, senior military officials, active-duty and retired military units, veterans groups, local high school marching bands, military organizations, decorative floats, giant balloons, JROTC units and more.
The parade begins at 11 a.m. at the Times Union Center and continues east to EverBank Field.
Bleachers are set up near the starting area on Water Street and along Bay Street near the Maxwell House plant.
Navy Band Southeast will perform outside the TU Center beginning at 10.
Among the dignitaries serving as grand marshals will be Jacksonville's oldest veteran, 102-year-old Navy veteran Paul J. Forsythe, and 90-year-old Elsie Loveall, who served on the Women's Army Corps.
Complete parade information is available on the city's website.
First Coast News