Annual veteran's day parade ready to march down Olde Towne

  • Published
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Residents of the metro area are expected to turn out in the hundreds for Nebraska's 14th annual Nebraska's Official Veterans Parade Nov. 9.

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

The grand marshal for this year's parade is Chief Master Sgt. (ret.) Michael Parente. Parente is the former senior enlisted advisor to the 544th Intelligence Wing, 3902nd Air Base Wing and the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. He was also a three-term president and 25 year member of the International Air Force Sergeant's Association and now serves as the president of the local Retired Chief's Group.

The national anthem will be performed by Louis Riva, an Air Force veteran and current civilian with the Air Force Weather Agency's 2nd Weather Group.

The parade starts on Mission Avenue, beginning at Jackson Street, and entries will travel east 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., with proceeds going to the Bellevue Avenue of Flags.

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 $4. Three jazz bands from Bellevue Public Schools will perform during the lunch.