The Town of East Greenwich proudly announces their annual Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at 10:00 AM.
From Academy Field, the parade will wind through the historic district and continue east on First Avenue (Route 401) and then proceed north on Main Street where the parade will dissipate in front of Town Hall around 11:00 AM. Closing ceremonies have been cancelled.
Invitations were limited and the final Order of March is still in the works. The “Lone Piper” Aaron Lindo will lead the parade which will feature Color Guards from the Police and Fire Departments. Several veteran organizations will be present such as the American Legion Post 15, VFW Post 8018 and the ever patriotic float paying homage to The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Governor’s Own 88th Army Band will showcase their drumline and local Boy and Girl Scouts will march along with many local organizations displaying their patriotic spirit. Numerous classic and antique cars will participate along with the ever patriotic Blue Knights Law Enforcement motorcycle group. Local fire companies will display an outstanding array of apparatus.
With support from the East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, plans are being made for a virtual event on Veterans Day to honor and show respect for all veterans who have served. Consistent with all active restrictions and social distancing guidelines, residents are encouraged to participate by posting short video clips and photos depicting what Veterans Day means to them to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #EGVeteransDay2020. Submissions will be gleaned by the EG Chamber of Commerce, and compiled into a collection that will be posted on the Town’s Facebook Page, the Chamber of Commerce’s website and social media channels on Veterans Day.
The Town prides itself on being one of only a handful of Rhode Island communities to continue to sponsor this parade, honoring Veterans of all wars, especially those who have given their last full measure of devotion. The holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country’s service and was originally called Armistice Day. It fell on November 11 because that is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I in 1918. However, in 1954 the holiday was changed to “Veterans Day” in order to account for all veterans in all wars.
A temporary parking ban will be in effect on several of the streets surrounding Academy Field in order to accommodate parade vehicles. In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be cancelled and an announcement will be placed on the Town’s main line at 401-886-8600. The event has been vetted by the RI Department of Business Regulation.