Athens will honor its veterans on Wednesday, Nov. 11, with the annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony — and this year’s procession brings back a familiar sound, as Ohio University’s Marching 110 makes its long-awaited return to the parade, the Athens County Independent reported.
The parade begins at 10:15 a.m., with Court Street offering a prime spot to watch, according to the Athens County Independent. The Marching 110 will be joined by several local high school marching bands, Ohio University’s Student Veterans of America chapter and local veterans’ organizations. This year’s theme is “Honoring All Who Served – Freedom 250,” recognizing veterans’ service as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
The ceremony follows at 11 a.m. at the West Portico of Memorial Auditorium on Ohio University’s College Green. The featured speaker will be Lieutenant Colonel Mike Jackson, USAF (Ret.), a decorated combat pilot, author and Ohio University alumnus, the Independent reported.
Jackson flew 210 combat missions in Vietnam, earning decorations including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart, according to the Athens County Independent. After his Air Force career, he served as executive director of the National Aviation Hall of Fame and founded Operation Welcome Home to honor Vietnam veterans and, later, veterans of all eras. Ohio University awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2012.
The morning around the parade is full as well. American Legion Post 21 will serve breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. and lunch immediately after the ceremony, Ohio University will host a breakfast for faculty, staff and student veterans and their families from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at 29 Park Place, and AMVETS 76 will provide lunch following the ceremony, the Independent reported.
That evening, Ohio University will host a free public screening at the Athena Cinema of documentaries by alumna and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Robin Smith — “He’s Only Missing” (1978) and “Letting Go” (1995) — which chronicle her family’s search for answers about her father, Colonel Robert N. Smith, whose plane was shot down over North Vietnam in 1969. Refreshments begin at 7 p.m., with the showing at 7:30 p.m., according to the Athens County Independent.
Parade lineup begins at 9:30 a.m. on Morris Avenue, and community members are encouraged to line the route. Questions about the event can go to American Legion Post 21 at 740-592-4027, the organizers told the Independent.
Photo: Ohio University’s Marching 110 performing at Peden Stadium in Athens. Photo: Marching110, CC BY-SA