The fifth annual Festus R-6 School District Veterans Day Parade is approaching, and district officials are inviting veterans to participate.
The parade kicks off at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, from the parking lot behind Festus Intermediate School, 1501 Midmeadow Lane, where parade participants are to meet by 10:30 a.m. for the lineup.
School officials would like veterans to let them know if they will take part by Monday, Nov. 10, to help prepare for the parade, but even those veterans who do not register are welcome to take part, said Kevin Pope, the district’s coordinator of communications and special events. Any veteran interested in participating in the parade should call Festus Middle School at 636-937-5417.
“Please contact the Middle School office to confirm your interest in participating,” Pope said. “They can just show up, but we’d rather them let us know ahead of time.”
The parade will pass through the Festus R-6 campus, exit the stadium parking lot onto Sunshine Drive, proceed east on West Main Street to Main Street, ending at Brierton Lane.
Pope said the areas around campus are for students. The public is asked to view the parade from along Sunshine Drive and Main Street.
The parade not only provides a way for the district to honor those who have served in the military, but also allows the district to educate youngsters about the importance of those who have served in the military.
“The district holds Veterans Day activities to teach students about the immense sacrifices veterans and their families make to protect our country,” Pope said. “It’s a fundamental part of ensuring all veterans receive the respect they’ve earned.”