Let Freedom Ring :: Mayor Dyer Salutes Our Veterans With The Annual Orlando Veterans Day Parade

WHAT:
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and his Veterans Advisory Council will honor the courageous men and women of our armed forces by hosting the annual Orlando Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 12, 2011, at 11 a.m. in Downtown Orlando.

The City’s Veterans Day Parade offers a unique and patriotic opportunity for the Central Florida community to honor our men and women in the armed forces. The parade kicks off with a tribute to those who fought for our country and defended our freedom led by Mayor Dyer and local veterans.

This year’s grand marshal is Orlando resident Michael Waldrop. Mr. Waldrop was called back to active duty from the Inactive Ready Reserves to serve with Oregon's 41st Brigade Combat Team in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He commanded an Afghanistan National Army Rifle Company comprising of 60 foreign soldiers. He was wounded in battle in July of 2006 and is a recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star of Valor. Mr. Waldrop is also co-founder of the Camaraderie Foundation, a non-profit which serves military families and veterans in providing private, professional counseling assistance.

WHO:
The parade will consist of a variety of participants including: men and women from more than 150 Central Florida veteran organizations, active duty military, high school marching bands and JROTCs, City of Orlando firefighters and police officers and floats that were featured in the Gasparilla parade in Tampa.

WHEN:
Saturday, November 12th
The opening ceremony will begin at 10:45 a.m.
The parade will begin at 11 a.m.

***Mayor Media Interview Window: 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.***
There will be a media staging area at the corner of Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard (In front of the Wells Fargo Bank building)

WHERE:
The Opening Ceremony will take place at Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard.
The Veterans Day Parade will take place in Downtown Orlando, beginning on Orange Avenue at the intersection of Livingston Street, turning left on Central Boulevard, left on Rosalind Avenue and ending back at Livingston Street.

PARKING:
Parking is available throughout Downtown and a detailed map of locations can be found at cityoforlando.net.

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