Albany Honors Veterans at 75th Parade

The Linn County Veterans Day Parade marked its 75th year with F-15 flyovers and hundreds of spectators on Lyon Street.

Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Civic

The Linn County Veterans Day Parade was held in Albany, Oregon on November 11, 2026, marking its 75th year. Hundreds of spectators lined Lyon Street as Harley Davidsons, military cargo trucks, and vintage cars took part.

Why it matters

The parade commemorates Veterans Day and has served as a long-running community tradition in Albany and across Linn County. Its continuation through the pandemic, when organizers held reverse parades, reflects sustained local commitment to honoring veterans.

The parade has run for 75 years, beginning in 1951 when the Linn County Veterans Council was formed. Al Severson, who had been involved for 52 years, died earlier in November 2026, and no crowd count for this year's event was reported.

The players

Linn County Veterans Day Parade Committee

The committee organizes the annual Linn County Veterans Day Parade in Albany, Oregon, which has run since 1951.

Chrstine Ferguson

Ferguson became lead organizer of the Linn County Veterans Day Parade in 2022 as the event's crowds returned after the pandemic.

The details

F-15 aircraft flew over Lyon Street at 11:11 a.m. during the event. Organizers held reverse parades during the pandemic, where cars drove past displays, and Chrstine Ferguson became lead organizer in 2022 as crowds returned.

1951: Linn County Veterans Council formed and the parade begins.
1960s: Ronald Reagan and Tom McCall attend the parade.
2022: Chrstine Ferguson becomes lead organizer and crowds return.
November 11, 2026: 75th parade held in Albany.
Earlier in November 2026: Al Severson dies.

Seasonal Patterns

The 75th Linn County Veterans Day Parade returned to a traditional street format after organizers ran reverse parades during the pandemic, when cars drove past displays rather than marching down Lyon Street. The event's return to a conventional route marks a shift back to the pre-2020 pattern that began in 1951.

Albany residents can expect street closures and crowds along Lyon Street during future parade days. Families planning to attend should arrive early to secure sidewalk space, as hundreds of spectators lined the route this year.

The takeaway

Community events like this one depend on volunteer organizers and long-standing traditions that span generations. Attending local veterans observances is a direct way to recognize the people who served.