ATHENS, Ohio – The Athens community is invited to come together on Wednesday, Nov. 11, to honor the men and women who have served our nation during the annual Athens Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony. This year’s theme, “Honoring All Who Served – Freedom 250,” recognizes the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary.
The parade will begin at 10:15 a.m., with Court Street offering an excellent location for community members to watch the procession. Making its long-awaited return to the parade is Ohio University’s Marching 110, joined by several local high school marching bands, Ohio University’s Student Veterans of America and local veterans’ organizations. Community members are encouraged to line the parade route and show their support for those who have served.
The Veterans Day ceremony will follow at 11 a.m. at the West Portico of Memorial Auditorium on Ohio University’s College Green. The ceremony’s featured speaker will be Lieutenant Colonel Mike Jackson, USAF (Ret.), a decorated combat pilot, author, Ohio University alumnus and longtime advocate for Veterans. Jackson flew 210 combat missions in Vietnam, earning numerous decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart. Following his Air Force career, he served as executive director of the National Aviation Hall of Fame and founded Operation Welcome Home to honor and welcome home Vietnam veterans and, later, veterans of all eras. Ohio University awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2012 for his public service.
The community is also encouraged to participate in the parade. Entries are welcome from individuals, businesses, organizations, marching groups, motorcycle groups and others wishing to honor those who served. Banners, floats and vehicles are welcome. Participants will line up beginning at 9:30 on Morris Ave.
Parade entries should be submitted by Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026. Registration is available online at https://forms.gle/eYQpxj9v3tFJqNsv7. Entry forms may also be emailed to AthensVeteransDayParade@gmail.com or delivered to American Legion Post 21, Attn: Veterans Day Parade Form, 520 W. Union St., Athens, Ohio 45701.
For more information, contact American Legion Post 21 at 740-592-4027, text 740-541-9472, or email AthensVeteransDayParade@gmail.com.
Additional Veterans Day events include:
The American Legion Post 21 will be serving breakfast from 7-9 a.m. and lunch immediately after the ceremony. Ohio University will host a breakfast for faculty/staff/student Veterans and families from 8-9:30 a.m. at 29 Park Place (Academic Achievement Center), while the AMVETS 76 will be providing lunch immediately following the Veterans Day Ceremony.
Ohio University will also be hosting a free public viewing of Ohio University Alumna and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Robin Smith’s documentaries, “He’s Only Missing” (1978, 30 minutes) and “Letting Go” (1995, 12 minutes) chronicling her family’s search for answers about the fate of Colonel Robert N. Smith (USMC) whose plane was shot down over North Vietnam in 1969. There will be light refreshments beginning at 7 p.m., followed by the showing at 7:30 p.m. The community is encouraged to join Smith at the Athena Cinema on Nov. 11, at 7 p.m.
You can find the announcement here: https://athenacinema.com/veteransdayrobinsmith/ For more information, please contact the Ohio University Veterans and Military Student Services at veteranscenter@ohio.edu or 740-566-8387.
Veterans Day is observed each year on Nov. 11, commemorating the service and sacrifice of all who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. The Athens community is invited to attend, participate, and help ensure our veterans know their service is remembered and appreciated.
