The focal point of the day is the one and one-half hour long parade, beginning at noon, and featuring more than 90 veteran and military organizations from throughout Central New York. Local high school marching bands join the procession adding patriotic charm with their performances. The parade is based on old-fashioned military style parades and features military vehicles, local military units, and many contingents of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion Posts. Every ... Read More
The focal point of the day is the one and one-half hour long parade, beginning at noon, and featuring more than 90 veteran and military organizations from throughout Central New York. Local high school marching bands join the procession adding patriotic charm with their performances. The parade is based on old-fashioned military style parades and features military vehicles, local military units, and many contingents of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion Posts. Every branch of the armed services and every conflict since and including WWII are represented. Veterans who participated in prior years have expressed gratification at seeing the crowds waving flags and acknowledging them as the parade winds around Chevy Court.
The EXPO is held in the Center of Progress building, features displays with a special emphasis on military history, local companies, and local organizations helping present military personnel or veterans. Last year, more than 100 organizations took part in the Expo. Organizations and individuals exhibit important artifacts from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, the Civil War, and the Vietnam War.
Local groups offer ways to get involved, such as gathering goods to send to deployed troops. The VA and other organizations present information about services available to veterans of any age. There will once again be a presentation about TRI-Care for retirees and a Kids' Area will feature activities, games, displays and even face painting.
The Expo will feature military and veterans themed kiosks, featuring many hands-on exhibits and informational displays .
Each year, there's a theme. We've hosted the George Washington Inauguration Bible, the Ghost Army display, Women Air Service Pilots display, the debut showing of the National Archives Photography Exhibit on Vietnam, the last fly-over of the 174th's F-15s. In 2018, we will be honoring 100th Anniversary of the American Legion with a display on the American Legion and the GI Bill history.
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