A parade in downtown Lawrence will celebrate veterans throughout Douglas County, plus a free breakfast for retired and current military personnel, a colors ceremony and more are planned.
Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 14 this year, with area events before and after the date.
The annual downtown parade, put on by the Lawrence Veterans Day Parade Association, will start at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. The group has tentatively scheduled an aircraft flyover during the event.
The parade will kick off around South Park, 1141 Massachusetts St., and move north up Massachusetts Street to Seventh Street. Local veterans of all services, color guards and military vehicles will participate.
Shelly Kortkamp, president and CEO of LMH Health, will serve as the Grand Marshal. She was a U.S. Air Force officer from 2002 to 2008.
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More events
• Ongoing: People can submit a profile and photo of a Kansas veteran to the Dole Institute of Politics’ virtual memory wall. “Your veteran will be featured digitally online via this portal, as well as in the halls of the Dole Institute alongside Senator Bob Dole and 1,000s of other Kansas service men and women,” the page reads.
• 2:45 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7: The University of Kansas Athletics will recognize veterans and active-duty service members during a Salute to Service football game. KU will be up against the University of Central Florida. Black Hawk helicopters will fly over the KU football stadium ahead of that game. Find out more about the game and ticket prices at this link.
• 6 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11 (Veterans Day): Hy-Vee at 3504 Clinton Parkway is offering a free dine-in breakfast for retired and active-duty military personnel. They can also get 15% off groceries in-store or online using the code VETS2026.
• 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11 (Veterans Day): KU ROTC will host a colors ceremony with speakers, the presentation of a ceremonial wreath, and the lowering of the national flag at sunset. That will be in front of Strong Hall, 1450 Jayhawk Blvd.
• 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Nov. 15: The KU Vets Day 5K will honor veterans “while raising awareness of the important role military-affiliated individuals play at KU and in the broader community.” This year’s race will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the dedication of KU’s Vietnam War Memorial. Organizers are inviting folks of all abilities. The race begins and ends at the Jayhawk Welcome Center, 1266 Oread Ave., and it costs $40 to participate. Find out more at this link.
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