The 2nd Annual Veterans Day Parade to be Held on November 11

Monroe County Executive Adam Bellow announced that the county’s Second Annual Veterans Day Parade is anticipated to be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023. Sheriff Todd K. Baxter will serve as Grand Marshal.

The parade will kick off at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of South Goodman Street and Highland Avenue and proceed up Highland Avenue to the Greater Rochester Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Gary Beikirch Park on South Avenue.

A family-oriented Honor Ceremony featuring music and local food vendors will immediately follow at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Parade Grand Master Monroe County Sheriff Todd K. Baxter is a 35-year veteran of local law enforcement who served three years of active duty with the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer and continued his service with the U.S. Army Reserve, 98th Division for an additional 19 years before retiring in 2005 as a Master Sergeant, Brigade Anti-Terrorism and Training Non-commissioned officer.

“I encourage all Monroe County residents to join us in honoring our heroes, past and present at this year’s Veterans Day Parade,” said Bello. “Let’s celebrate their unwavering dedication and sacrifices, and show our gratitude for their service. Together, we will make this parade a fitting tribute to those who selflessly defend our freedom. I hope to see you there!”

The parade will include musical marching units, veterans’ service organizations, law enforcement, military-style vehicles, high-ranking active duty service members and groups representing veterans of all eras and military branches. Additionally, a group of 50 individuals and families who found red-tinted roses as part of the county’s Never Forget Roses scavenger hunt partnership with the Veterans Outreach Center are invited to bring their roses and march in the parade.

“Veterans Day is the day that we recognize and honor the noble men and women who have served our great country, so that all Americans may enjoy freedom,” Baxter said. “I am proud to serve as this year’s parade Grand Marshal and even prouder to have served our nation in the U.S. Army. THANK YOU to the men and women who protect with courage and strength, inspire bravery, and endure sacrifice. Your selfless service will never go unnoticed. We are forever grateful to our Freedom Fighters.

Information about registering to participate in the parade and honor ceremony is available at https://www.monroecounty.gov/vsa-parade.