Gadsden Honors Local Heroes with Annual Veterans Parade
GADSDEN – Downtown Gadsden was filled with patriotic pride on Wednesday afternoon as the Gadsden-Etowah Patriots Association and the City of Gadsden hosted their annual Veterans Parade in honor of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The parade began at 2 p.m. along Broad Street and featured area high school marching bands, sports teams, businesses, veteran service organizations, and community groups. A large crowd, including many local veterans, lined the streets to show their appreciation and enjoy the festivities.
Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford expressed his gratitude for the community’s strong show of support.
“It’s always wonderful to see Gadsden turn out to support our veterans,” Ford said. “As a member of the National Guard, I know how much it means for people to recognize the sacrifices made by those in our armed forces. The Patriots Association organized a wonderful program, and our Parks and Recreation Department put together another great parade. Thank you to everyone who participated and especially to those who served our country.”
The celebration in Gadsden comes as Alabama observes Veterans Week, proclaimed by Governor Kay Ivey to run from Wednesday, November 5, through Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The proclamation honors the more than 400,000 veterans who call Alabama home and reaffirms the state’s ongoing commitment to supporting those who served.
“Our veterans represent the very best of America, and here in Alabama, we are proud to stand firmly behind them,” Governor Ivey said. “We have worked and fought hard to ensure our state remains the most veteran-friendly state in the nation. As the daughter of a World War II veteran, this mission is deeply personal to me, just as it is to so many Alabama families whose love of country runs deep.”
https://weisradio.com/2025/11/06/governor-ivey-proclaims-veterans-week/
Veterans Week in Alabama will culminate with the national observance of Veterans Day on November 11, with events and ceremonies planned across the state to honor service members and their families.
A photo gallery from the Gadsden Veterans Parade is available below.
