Veterans Day Parade returns to Ocean Drive Nov. 11, with thank-you letters accepted from Nov. 2
The 18th annual parade steps off at 11:11 a.m. at 5th Street, followed by a ceremony in Lummus Park. Residents can send letters to troops online or in person.
Miami Beach’s 18th annual Veterans Day Parade steps off at 11:11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 5th Street and Ocean Drive and heads north to 15th Street, the city announced. The city sent a reminder by email and on X on Thursday.
This year’s theme is “Forever Honored,” part of the city’s America 250 celebration. The city hosts the parade with VFW Post 3559, and it features veteran and military groups, marching bands, music and dance performances, local businesses and community groups. The city says the parade has grown from about 50 participants to more than 1,000.
Ceremony in Lummus Park
A ceremony follows at 12:15 p.m. in Lummus Park, according to the city. The program includes Miami Beach Police and Fire honor guards presenting the colors, a moment of silence in the Armistice Day tradition, a 21-gun salute and taps, a wreath laying, and remarks from U.S. Southern Command representatives and elected officials. Miami Beach Girl Scouts will unveil the restored flag box from Fire Station No. 4.
Letters to the troops
Starting Monday, Nov. 2, residents can upload a photo of a handwritten thank-you letter or a short video at miamibeachfl.gov/america250, under a new Letters of Gratitude campaign with VFW Post 3559, The Betsy Hotel and Badger. The city says submissions will be projected onto The Betsy’s Orb on Ocean Drive from 6 to 11 p.m. each evening.
On parade day, unsealed letters and cards for active-duty service members can be dropped off at the Parks and Recreation tent at 5th Street and Ocean Drive from 9 a.m. to noon. The city says they will be sent to military bases, and people who drop one off get a commemorative hat while supplies last.
In the days before the parade, a retreat bugle call will sound at sunset Nov. 7 through 10 at The Betsy, 1440 Ocean Drive; at Lincoln Road and Pennsylvania Avenue; and at 73rd Street and Ocean Terrace.
The city has not yet posted street closures for parade day. To request a sign language interpreter or materials in another format, call 305-604-2232 at least five days ahead.
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