Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and his Veterans Advisory Council honored the courageous men and women of our armed forces by hosting the annual Orlando Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 12, 2011 in Downtown Orlando.

This year’s grand marshal was 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.