News Summary
Virginia Beach celebrated U.S. veterans with the 2023 Tidewater Veterans Day Parade and Memorial Events from November 7 to November 11, culminating in a formal parade on Veterans Day. Organized by the Hampton Roads Council of Veterans Organizations, activities included a Moving Wall display and a parade featuring wreath-laying and ceremonies at the Tidewater Veterans Memorial. These events emphasized community engagement and the ongoing recognition of veterans’ sacrifices.
Virginia Beach paid tribute to U.S. veterans during the 2023 Tidewater Veterans Day Parade and Memorial Events, which were held to honor all service members. The events took place from November 7 to November 11, 2023, culminating in a formal parade on Veterans Day. The Hampton Roads Council of Veterans Organizations (HRCVO) organized this year’s tribute, signifying a commitment to recognizing the sacrifices made by veterans, particularly in light of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War’s conclusion.
The celebrations kicked off with a special opening ceremony for the Moving Wall, a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, on November 7 at 10 a.m. The display featured 58,000 names etched into 74 panels and spanned 252.8 feet in length. Local veterans’ organizations volunteered to assist at the Moving Wall, which was open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until November 11 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Music, speeches, and wreath-laying marked the official opening of this poignant tribute.
On November 11, a formal Tidewater Veterans Day Parade commenced at 9 a.m., starting at 16th Street and Atlantic Avenue, and concluded at the Tidewater Veterans Memorial. During the ceremony at the memorial, wreaths were laid, prayers were offered, a 21-gun salute took place, and the solemn performance of “Taps” was rendered. Following the parade, a luncheon honoring veterans was held, with tickets required for attendance. Streets, including 19th Street and Atlantic Avenue, were temporarily closed for the parade to ensure safety and facilitate public attendance.
In addition to the parade, engaging events were planned as part of Veterans Week, co-sponsored by the City of Virginia Beach Mayor’s Committee for Veterans (MCV) and Mission: POW-MIA. Veterans Week was designated as a national commemoration event by the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, a program authorized by Congress. This commemoration, which began on Memorial Day 2012 and will end on Veterans Day 2025, aims to honor Vietnam veterans and their families.
During the event, military vehicles representing conflicts such as World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Desert Storm were on display on November 10 and 11. Additionally, a mobile recording studio was made available for interviews with combat veterans from noon to 5 p.m. on November 10. Three helicopters were also showcased by Vietnam veteran pilots on November 10 and 11, providing an interactive experience for attendees.
The overarching goal of these events was to enhance community engagement and recognize the contributions of individuals who served in the military. The local government has called for new members to join the Mayor’s Committee for Veterans, which is responsible for maintaining the memorial and organizing future events. This appeal underscores a commitment to ongoing recognition of veterans’ sacrifices and striving to keep their legacies alive within the community.
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Additional Resources
- Military News: Virginia Beach Marks the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War
- Google Search: Virginia Beach Vietnam War 50th Anniversary
- WAVY: Veterans Day Deals, Closures, and Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Veterans Day
- The Tidewater News: Albert G. Horton Jr. Cemetery Celebrates 20 Years Veterans Day
- Google News: Veterans Day Parade Virginia Beach
- Pilot Online: Virginia Beach Shows Support for Troops and U.S. Vets
- Google Scholar: Veterans Memorials
- 13 News Now: Virginia Beach Mayor’s Committee for Veterans Seeks Volunteers
- Google Search: Volunteering for Veterans Memorials
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