Birmingham Hosts 79th National Veterans Day Parade
The downtown parade on November 11, 2026 marks its 79th year, with a theme honoring 250 years of veterans.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Civic
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Birmingham will host the 79th National Veterans Day Parade in downtown on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, featuring military units, marching bands, JROTC groups, color guards, and historical floats. The parade is themed "Salute to the First 250 Years of Veterans" and will be broadcast live by Alabama Public Television.
Why it matters
The parade continues a Birmingham tradition that began with its first Veterans Day celebration in 1947. Related events, including a $10,000 donation from the Department of Alabama American Legion to the Birmingham VA Health Care System, underscore local support for veterans.
The 79th annual parade follows a Birmingham Veterans Day tradition dating to 1947, and the American Legion's $10,000 donation supports the VA's Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center. The source does not report attendance figures or the total budget for the parade.
The players
Department of Alabama American Legion
The state branch of the American Legion, a veterans service organization chartered by Congress, which donated $10,000 to the Birmingham VA Health Care System.
Birmingham VA Health Care System
The Veterans Affairs medical system serving veterans in the Birmingham area, which received the American Legion donation for its Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center.
Alabama Public Television
The statewide public broadcaster that will carry the National Veterans Day Parade live.
The details
The parade runs from 1 to 4:30 p.m. in downtown Birmingham and includes military units, marching bands, JROTC groups, color guards, and historical floats. Earlier that day, volunteers placed flags at gravesites at Alabama National Cemetery during a morning ceremony with a flyover, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem.
Timeline
Saturday: Volunteers place flags at Alabama National Cemetery gravesites.
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026: American Legion donates $10,000 to Birmingham VA.
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, 1 to 4:30 p.m.: 79th National Veterans Day Parade in downtown Birmingham.
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, 8 a.m.: UAB Veterans Day 5K begins at Railroad Park.
Season Trajectory
The 79th National Veterans Day Parade extends a Birmingham tradition that began with the city's first Veterans Day celebration in 1947. Its 2026 theme, "Salute to the First 250 Years of Veterans," places the event within a broader national commemoration.
The parade is free to watch in downtown Birmingham and is broadcast live on Alabama Public Television for viewers who cannot attend in person. Veterans, active and retired military members, and up to five dependents receive free admission to the Birmingham Zoo.
The takeaway
Veterans and their families can take advantage of free zoo admission and attend the parade or awards dinner at Boutwell Auditorium, where advance registration and tickets are required. Planning ahead ensures access to these local Veterans Day events.
What happens next
The UAB Veterans Day 5K begins Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at 8 a.m. at Railroad Park, with registration costing $20 to $40.
Further reading
Explore more civic news coverage of how Birmingham honors its veterans and community traditions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBMA.
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