Veterans Day: This Veterans Day, Edwardsville will host its annual Veterans Day Parade with a fresh lineup of patriotic features and a new afternoon start time, designed to make the event more accessible to families and honor the sacrifices of veterans in a personal, visible way. Organized by the Metro East Community Rotary Club in partnership with Edwardsville American Legion Post 199, the parade will commence at 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, allowing attendees to better view and connect with participants in daylight.

“With the earlier start, we hope to see more families and community members come out to honor veterans,” said Andrea Wetzel, parade committee chair. “At night, it’s harder to recognize the faces of our veterans. This daylight parade helps bring the community together, allowing veterans to see the appreciation on people’s faces.”

The route, expanded last year to maximize visibility, begins at Eden Church and concludes at Lincoln Middle School, featuring patriotic floats, local clubs, and antique military vehicles. The popular 60s Chicks will perform patriotic songs as people gather, and city officials, in collaboration with the Wildey Theatre, will distribute flags to wave as veterans march.

A special highlight of this year’s parade includes appearances by the Scott Air Force Base Color Guard and the Edwardsville VFW, led by parade marshal Larry Ranek, a Vietnam War veteran and longstanding American Legion member. Wetzel shared, “Larry’s dedication to service is an inspiration, and it’s an honor to have him lead our parade.”

Organizers encourage attendees to wear red, white, and blue, and to bring homemade signs to honor local veterans. Following the parade, the Edwardsville American Legion will host a free public gathering featuring entertainment and refreshments.

For further details or to inquire about participation, email honorvets199@gmail.com or contact the American Legion Post at 618-656-9774.