The 19th annual De Soto Veterans Day Parade will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, Navy and Marines, with a representative of each branch serving as grand marshal, said parade chairman Mike Thurmond of De Soto Elks Lodge 689, which is cosponsoring the parade.
This year’s parade will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday on Main Street.
Thurmond said anyone is welcome to walk in the parade or decorate a vehicle and take part in the parade.
“You don’t have to fill out an application,” he said. “We won’t turn you away as long as you don’t try to do anything political. It’s for (honoring) the veterans.”
It is free to enter the parade, and participants may give out candy, Thurmond said.
Those who want to participate may register in advance by calling Thurmond at 636-633-2810 or the De Soto Chamber of Commerce, another parade sponsor, at 636-586-5591.
Parade lineup begins at 8:30 a.m. at Mahn Funeral Home on North Main Street. The route will proceed from there to South Main Street to West St. Louis Street and end behind De Soto High School.
Thurmond said he expects to see about 40-50 units in this year’s parade. Last year, turnout was lower, with about 25 entries, due to rain.
He said local military organizations participate in the parade each year, and the Farmington Elks will again participate, bringing their large American flag, which takes about 40 people to carry. The De Soto High School All District Band will march in the parade.
The Veterans Day Parade is also sponsored by Amvets Post 48, Knights of Columbus Post 1185 and VFW Post 1831, all in De Soto, in cooperation with the city.