Charleston’s Veterans Day parade will be held downtown on Saturday afternoon.
Police officials stress interruptions to traffic won’t be long term and that cars will not have to be off the streets or out of parking spaces during the event.
The parade will begin at 3:30 p.m., kicked off by the playing of the National Anthem and a fly-over from a C-17 aircraft.
Charleston police Lt. Jason Emanuele say that some parking spaces will be blocked off ahead of time but not all cars will have to be removed from the parade route.
The parade will last about 90 minutes, with city streets opening again once the last group in the march has passed by.
All streets should be cleared by 5:30 p.m.
The parade is sponsored by the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and will feature historic military vehicles, motorcycle groups, veterans service organization floats and more.
Grand marshal is Capt. Kenney-Gutshall, commanding officer of Naval Health Clinic Charleston.
The parade begins at 3:30 p.m. and travels from Concord and Market streets, west on Market to East Bay Street, then East Bay to Broad Street, then from Broad Street ending at Colonial Lake.
Other events:
Monday – The City of North Charleston will host its annual Veterans Day tribute from 10:30 am – 1 pm at Park Circle. All veterans in attendance will be recognized and will receive a specially designed commemorative coin.
Lt. Col. Vernon F. Lightner will be the event’s keynote speaker. He has served in a variety of leadership positions from platoon leader to battalion commander, most recently serving as the Director of Emergency Services at Fort Bliss, Tex.
Prior to the ceremony, from 9:30 am – 10:30 am, a story swap will be held in the Felix Davis Community Center. Veterans will have an open opportunity to share memories and stories about their service with fellow veterans. The story swap is open to the public. Veterans wishing to speak should RSVP to (843) 740-5850.
Sunday and Monday – Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is offering free admission on Sunday, Nov. 11, and Monday, Nov. 12, to active duty military personnel and veterans and their immediate family. Only applies to the general garden admission. Separate tours are not included. Valid active duty or veteran’s identification is required.
Patriots Point – The 2012 Carrier Classic Friday will transform the carrier Yorktown into a basketball area Friday meaning the museum will be closed to the public for day visitation Nov. 9. The museum will be open to the public Thursday; however, the flight deck will be closed as final preparations are made. For members of the public who may wish to visit Thursday, Patriots Point will offer discounted tickets.
On Monday Patriots Point will offer free admission for all veterans and their families all day. $5 per vehicle parking fee will still apply.
Additionally: Various other park and area visitation sites are dropping entrance fees for veterans in the days ahead.
In addition, some restaurants are offering free meals for veterans who show proof of military service.