Veterans Day with Colorful Parade and

U.S. Army Golden Knights Demonstration

Miami Beach is a Designated Regional Site for the Observance of Veterans Day

WHAT:                Miami Beach Veterans Day Parade & Wreath Laying Ceremony
Including the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team Landing on Field and a   flyover by the U.S. Air Force F-16 Mako jetfighters squadron

WHEN:                Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11, 2012

9:00 a.m.:            Parade with 50+ participating groups
10:30 a.m.:           Ceremony

WHERE:                Parade spectator locations:

Washington Avenue from 17 Street to 11 Street
11 Street from Washington Avenue to Alton Road
Alton Road from 11 Street to 12 Street

Ceremony:            Memorial Stadium at Flamingo Park, 999 11 Street, Miami Beach 
WHO:                     Miami Beach Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3559, American Legion Post 85and Military Officials including VFW State Commander Wayne E. Carrignan and Southern Command Major General Joe DiSalvo.

CONTACT:                Enid Rodriguez at 305.673.7106
 
Miami Beach, FL – Miami Beach’s Veterans Day observance had a South Beach flare. The parade included dancers from Nikki Beach and the Clevelander Hotel, military vets, students, high school bands, sports teams, beauty queens and models who marched down Washington Avenue to Alton Road together to honor our U.S. veterans. Additions to this 2012"s events included a Chinese Lion Dance and Drum performance at the parade.

“This year we were especially touched and inspired after receiving a letter from the Veterans Day National Committee at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs making us a Regional Site for the celebration of Veterans Day,” said Miami Beach Commissioner Jerry Libbin. “It is a very prestigious honor.” Libbin’s office assists the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3559 and the American Legion Post 85, with the annual event.

During WWII, the beaches and hotels in Miami Beach served as a home base for military troops. Hence, for approximately 50 years, the VFW and American Legion found it befitting to organize a parade in the city to thank the troops for all that they have sacrificed to defend our freedom. 

In the last four years, the parade participation has flourished from approximately 50 individuals to over 2000 including students, organizations, businesses, military groups and public officials. 

 "Commissioner Libbin has really helped to reorganize the parade to a greater honor for our veterans and has brought significance back to this momentous day of remembrance by encouraging a diverse group of community members to pay tribute to our military,” said David Patlak, vice commander, American Legion Miami Beach Post 85. 

“The men and women who serve our country with distinction deserve our appreciation every day. This parade gives us the opportunity to come together as a community to thank them,” said Commissioner Libbin.

Parade Route: 
The 2012 Veterans Day Parade in Miami Beach was held on Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11, beginning at 9 a.m. Participants traveled south from 17 Street and Washington Avenue, west on 11^th Street to Alton Road, north on 12 Street and then east on 12 Street to the entrance of Flamingo Park’s Memorial Stadium. 

Following the parade, the participants entered the park for a ceremony to honor our military men and women. Vehicles featured in the parade also enter the park to be displayed.   

Ceremony:
The wreath-laying ceremony at Flamingo Park’s Memorial Stadium (999 11^th Street) commenced at 10:30 a.m. opening with a 20-minute performance by the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team who landed on the football field’s 50-yard line. 

Master of Ceremony, VFW Commander, J. Douglas Morris, Jr., introduced MBPD’s Honor Guard’s presentation of colors, a recital of the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem sung by acclaimed vocalist Nicole Henry and a moment of silence in honor of our First World War Armistice Day tradition. 

There were addresses by top-level military officials including VFW State Commander Wayne E. Carrignan and Southern Command Major General Joe DiSalvo 

Other activities included MBPD Honor Guard’s 21-gun salute, performance by an Echo Taps bugle, and a grand finale flyover by the Miami-Dade Police Helicopters.    

A free picnic was hosted to thank parade participants.   

Parade line-up  
Line-up included military veteran groups, student groups, high school bands, local professional sports teams, dancers, models, beauty queens, artistic performers, local companies, homeowners and business associations, among many others. Among the groups were:
 
Bal Harbour Police Department;