The legacy of military families will be the focus of this year’s Lincoln Veterans Parade, scheduled for Sunday afternoon. Antonio Marino is parade commander and tells KLIN News the annual parade will recognize all family members of service members.
“We are supporting our support system, the family members, the kids, the loved ones that have been with their service member during deployments, during transfers, moving to new states, new countries, things like that,” Marino says. “And then they continue to support or newly supporting after the service member is out and dealing with the transition back into civilian life.”
Marino, a military veteran himself, said returning to civilian life can be a difficult adjustment. He said it took him several years to find people he could relate to after leaving the military. This year’s parade will feature approximately 74 entries, including four Lincoln Public Schools marching bands, military vehicles, businesses, nonprofit organizations and veterans groups.
Several floats will also be part of the procession, including the a large inflatable Sower and an American flag display featuring an eagle from Smithfield Foods. The parade will conclude with a patriotic star recognizing volunteers.
The parade begins at 2 p.m. with opening ceremonies at the State Capitol. The procession will begin near Lincoln High School at 21st and K streets and proceeding toward the Capitol. Marino encourages spectators to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the parade along the route.
Parking will be available in neighborhood areas, including the Allo parking lot near 21st and K streets. Beyond honoring those who served, Marino says the parade also provides an opportunity to connect veterans and their families with organizations and businesses offering support.
“The big main reason for this event is to let the community know, let the veterans know that there are all the resources out there, the organizations and businesses that support our veteran community and their families,” Marino says. “Just to realize that veterans are an important part of the community, and we have a whole lot to offer.”
Here are a list of street closings from noon to 4:00 Sunday afternoon.
- South 14th Street, “H” to “K” streets
- South 16th Street, “H” to “L” streets
- South 17th Street, “J” to “L” streets
- South 18th Street from “J” to “L” streets
- South 19th Street from “J” to “K” streets
- South 20th Street from “J” to “L” streets
- South 21st Street, “J” to “L” streets
- Goodhue Boulevard from “H” to “G” streets
- “H” Street from South 14th to 16th streets
- “K” Street, South 13th to 21st streets
- South Antelope Valley Parkway from “K” to “L” streets
- Eastbound Capitol Parkway from South 21st to “J” streets
The parade will air live on LNKTV, available on Spectrum channel 1300, and stream through the city’s LNKTV website and YouTube channel. LNKTV apps are also available on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV.