JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – There will be many events going on in our area to honor the men and women who served our country, for Veterans Day.
One of those events is the annual Veterans Day parade in Jacksonville, which is expected to begin at 11:01 a.m.
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News4Jax anchors Kent Justice and Melanie Lawson will be emceeing the event live. If you can't make it out to the parade we will be streaming it live on News4Jax.com and following The Morning Show.
"The annual Veterans Day parade will highlight Jacksonville's Week of Valor celebrations -- a week honoring those who have served our country," said Major Admiral Victor Guillory, director of military and veterans affairs for the City of Jacksonville.
The parade, which we're told is one of the largest in the state, will feature senior military officials, active-duty and retired military units, local high school marching bands, decorative floats, and more.
"It recognizes for than the 100,000 veterans from our city, their family members, the surviving spouses. It also shows that we appreciate the service of those who continue to serve the many military bases that are here in Jacksonville," said Guillory.
The parade route will begin at EverBank Field at Lot J. It will go down Bay Street to Newman Street, continue on to Independent Street which turns into Water Street and will end at the lots on Lee Street near the Prime Osborne Convention Center.
Those streets will be closed starting as early as 10:30 a.m. and they likely won't reopen until about 1 p.m.
"Get here as early as you can [if you plan to attend the parade] so you can get a great spot for viewing," said Tonisha Landry-Gaines, who works with the City of Jacksonville.
Some area businesses are also honoring our Veterans.
People who visit Great Clips on Veterans Day can get a free haircut card to give to a veteran, that can be used through the end of 2014.
Also, Golden Corral is offering veterans a free buffet meal and drink on November 17th from 5 p.m - 9 p.m.
If you're headed out to today's parade, you're encouraged to wear red, white, and blue. You can even wave flags and bring banners and signs.