BECKLEY, W.Va. — The Beckley-Raleigh County Veterans Parade Committee is inviting community members, organizations, and schools to participate in this year’s Veterans Day Celebration, set for Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
The annual parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. in downtown Beckley, with line-up starting at 9:00 a.m. for floats and vehicles at Park Middle School, and at 10:00 a.m. for bands, walking units, and military vehicles at the Bill Withers Plaza near the Beckley Intermodal Gateway.
This year’s parade will feature two theme options for entries: the national theme, “Service to our Nation – Forever Grateful,” and the American Legion’s local theme, “Patriots through History.” Participants are encouraged to decorate floats with signage on all four sides and honor veterans through creative displays. Cash and trophy awards will be presented for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place entries, as well as top-performing bands.
A special “Memory Walk” and “Honor Walk” section will allow loved ones to walk in the parade carrying photos, mementos, or signs honoring veterans. These walkers will join the line-up at the Intermodal Gateway.
This year’s Grand Marshal is Ellis J. Vest Jr., a U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant who served from 1983 to 1998, including deployments in Lebanon and Grenada. Vest is a lifetime member of the American Legion and currently serves as Adjutant of Raleigh County Post 32.
Following the parade, the celebration continues with musical performances by local school bands at Bill Withers Plaza from noon to 1 p.m. Weather permitting, the Girl Scouts will conduct a flag retirement ceremony. Veterans groups are also invited to set up booths at the plaza or Word Park between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Veterans are welcome to enjoy a free box lunch at the WVU Tech Administration Building on Neville Street, accompanied by live music from Peyton Alexis and Alan Kinsler. Supplies are limited.
At 2 p.m., the community is invited to visit the newly relocated Raleigh County Veterans and First Responders Museum on Eisenhower Drive, formerly the State Police and Sheriff’s headquarters.
Entry forms and full event details are available at Beckley.Events under the Documents tab.
For more information, contact:
Beckley-Raleigh County Veterans Parade Committee
📍 Beckley.Events
