Nebraska’s Official Veterans Parade set for Nov. 6

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Peter R.O. Danielson
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  For the 11th year, people from all over Douglas and Sarpy counties will come together in Bellevue Nov. 6 to celebrate our nation's military veterans during Nebraska's Official Veterans Parade.

The event, which begins at 10 a.m. in Olde Towne Bellevue, is expected to draw more than 100 entries, including about 400 troops from Offutt.

The grand marshal for this year's parade is Ed Mauser. A U.S. Army private during World War II, Mr. Mauser was a member of the 101st Airborne Division's 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He was a rifleman in the 2nd Platoon of E Company --featured in Stephen Ambrose's book and the HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers.''

For the third time in the past four years, Louis Riva, a forecaster with the Air Force Weather Agency's 2nd Weather Group and Air Force veteran, will perform the national anthem.

Parade entries will begin to move down Mission Avenue, east of Jackson Street, around 10 a.m. and pass a reviewing stand near the Bellevue Little Theatre. They will then make a left on Franklin Street and end at Washington Park.

A pre-parade breakfast bar will be held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club at 209 West Mission Ave. Cost is for $3.50 for children or $4.50 for adults, with proceeds going to the Bellevue Economic Enhancement Foundation.

The parade is expected to conclude at approximately 11 a.m. At that time, Mission Middle School will open the door to the annual Chili Feed. Chili or soup with a dessert item and beverage will be available for $3. Three jazz bands from Bellevue Public Schools will perform during the lunch.

People who want to continue in the spirit of the day may want to attend Bellevue East High School's Advanced Theatre and Performance Studies class as they perform "A Piece of My Heart" at 1 p.m.

"The tone of the play is one of gratitude and reverence for veterans and their service to their country without becoming overly simplistic or reductive of that experience," said Trenton Kerger, a Bellevue East High School student.