Downtown Mobile drew a large crowd on Tuesday as residents lined Government Street for the city’s annual Veterans Day Parade, a tradition that brings together military units, community groups and families to honor those who served.
Organized by the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Commission, the parade featured roughly 60 participating groups, including veterans’ organizations, active-duty service members, Reserve and National Guard units, Junior ROTC and ROTC cadets, scouting troops and local school marching bands. The procession moved through the heart of downtown, drawing spectators of all ages who came out to applaud the veterans marching past.
This year’s commission recognized two honorees for their service and sacrifice. Retired Maj. Gen. Carl McNair Jr., a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran who grew up in nearby Pensacola, Florida, was named Patriot of the Year. Seymour “Sy” Lichtenfeld, a World War II veteran who endured five months as a prisoner of war in Germany, was honored as Veteran of the Year.
McNair said he was honored to be part of the celebration, noting how rare it is for the country to set aside dedicated days to recognize those who served. “There are only two holidays honoring veterans in the United States,” he said. “To see a crowd like this is very heartening. I love a parade.”
Among the spectators was Bill Atkeison, a Vietnam veteran from nearby Semmes who came out in uniform to watch the festivities. Atkeison noted that the number of active-duty service members marching seemed smaller than in past years, but said he was still pleased with the community’s turnout and enthusiasm. He said events like the parade remain an important way for Mobile to show its appreciation for the men and women who have worn the uniform.
The Veterans Day Parade has long been a fixture of Mobile’s civic calendar, drawing on the city’s deep military history and its proximity to installations across the Gulf Coast region. Local schools, civic clubs and veterans service organizations typically spend weeks preparing floats, banners and marching routines ahead of the event, and downtown merchants often see a boost in foot traffic as families gather along the parade route.
For many longtime residents, the parade offers a rare chance to see veterans from different eras marching side by side, from World War II survivors to more recent veterans of conflicts overseas. Organizers said they hope the yearly event continues to grow as a way of ensuring younger generations in Mobile understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by the area’s veterans.