Victoria honors veterans with annual Veterans Day parade

Despite overcast skies, the streets of downtown Victoria filled with marching bands, veterans and community members Wednesday as residents gathered to honor those who served in the U.S. armed forces. The annual Veterans Day parade, a Victoria tradition dating back to 1949, featured 58 entries, bringing together generations of residents to celebrate military service, sacrifice and remembrance. The parade began at 10 a.m. on Main Street, turned near St. Mary’s Church and continued onto Bridge Street. Veterans organizations marched alongside Victoria Independent School District high school bands, cheerleaders, dance teams and junior high student groups. Car and motorcycle clubs, emergency medical services personnel and the Victoria Fire Department also participated. For many veterans, the parade was more than an annual celebration. It was an opportunity to reconnect with fellow service members, reflect on their experiences and see the community’s appreciation firsthand.

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