DOVER — On Saturday, Nov. 7, at 10 a.m., a parade to honor veterans will take place in downtown Dover followed by a noon dedication of a monument at Legislative Hall to honor Delawareans who served in conflicts in the Middle East and Afghanistan.
The event is sponsored by the Delaware General Assembly in conjunction with the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs, the Delaware National Guard, the City of Dover, the Downtown Dover Partnership, and state veterans’ organizations.
“All generations of Delaware veterans and their organizations are invited to march and be recognized and we hope they will participate,” said Ed Perez of the Downtown Dover Partnership, who is organizing the parade lineup.
“This is a state-wide event to which veterans, their families, and their organizations from all generations are invited, as are bands and Jr ROTC units.
More than 40 groups have already signed up and we anticipate many more. Businesses are being approached to post Thank You Veterans!” on their marquees on November 7,” said Mr. Perez.
The parade will begin at the Duncan Center and proceed through west Dover, move east along Loockerman Street, turn right onto Federal Street, and end at Legislative Mall.
A reviewing stand at Bradford and Loockerman streets will acknowledge parade contingents. Dave Skocik, president of the Delaware Veterans Coalition, will serve as parade emcee.
“This parade and dedication will particularly honor our veterans during the era in which they served, unlike the belated recognition of Vietnam veterans,” said State Rep. Earl Jacques, a retired Vietnam-era veteran and one of the event originators.
Twenty-one Delawareans have lost their lives in the Middle East and Afghanistan since 1991.
The monument will be located at the northeast corner of the Legislative Mall grounds, facing Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard North. It will be similar in size and design to the World War II monument dedicated in 2013. A post event reception will be held in the Delaware Archives building at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. North, Dover.
Anyone interested in participating in the Veterans Parade should contact Ed Perez at 302-678-2940 or eperez@dover.de.us to sign up.
Registration deadline is Friday at 4 p.m.