Instead of a parade downtown, the Lawrence Veterans Day Parade this year will be a “thank you” event ahead of KU football’s matchup with K-State on Saturday, Nov. 6.
The 2020 parade was canceled because of COVID-19, but it will return this year — to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium rather than Massachusetts Street, according to a Tuesday news release.
“Local veterans and Gold Star family members will form up in the stadium’s south end zone with an Honor Cordon provided by Cadets and Midshipmen from the KU Military Science Department,” according to the release. “The ROTC Joint Service Honor Guard comprised of KU Cadets and Midshipmen will present the colors and the KU Band will provide the National Anthem.”
KU has also requested a military aircraft flyover, according to the release.
The grand marshal will be Hank Booth — “A Vietnam-era veteran of the United States Army, Hank Booth has been a radio broadcaster and booster of all things Lawrence for decades.”
There is no fee for veterans to attend the pre-game ceremony, and all veterans from across Douglas County and surrounding communities are invited to participate; however, tickets to the game are not included. A charter bus will be available at the Lied Center about 90 minutes before kickoff for veterans who do not have tickets, and it will return them after the pre-game ceremony.
Game time has not yet been announced.
