Veterans Day Procession FAQ's
1. What is the mission of this event?
The mission of this event is to create an annual Veterans Day Procession to honor the contributions of our United States Veterans, and help build a patriotic Fredericksburg community spirit that recognizes the sacrifices Veterans make for our country.
2. When and where is the procession?
The 2021 Fredericksburg Veterans Day Procession will be held on Thursday, November 11, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. This walking procession will begin at Memorial Park and end at the Fredericksburg Area War Memorial. (Wheelchairs and motorized scooters are permitted.) Participants are encouraged to stay at the memorial for the Veterans Day Commemoration that will begin promptly at 10:45 a.m. at the Fredericksburg Area War Memorial.
If you are a Veteran and feel you are unable to make the 0.6 mile walk, a bus provided by Fred Transit of Fredericksburg, will be on hand to help transport you to the War Memorial. This VIP bus is reserved for veterans only. Seats are available on a first come, first serve basis.
3. How do I register myself or a group to be in the procession?
Please fill out this entry form. There is a maximum of 30 group entries into the procession. Registrations will be accepted until the maximum is reached or until the registration deadline, whichever comes first. There are no entry fees to participate in the procession. Individual registrants will be grouped together and counted as one entry.
This procession is to honor our Veterans. We kindly ask that no commercial, for-profit nor political campaigns refrain from registering. We are not accepting vendors or food trucks for this event.
4. What is the timeline for group sign ups?
There is a maximum of 30 entries so if that is reached prior to the registration deadline, registration will close. Registration deadline is November 5, 2021 at 7 AM.
5. What if the weather is bad, is the procession cancelled? What is the cancellation policy?
In the event of inclement weather, the parade will continue as scheduled unless City Police and Fire deem the weather to be extreme and raise safety concerns. There will be no postponement or rescheduling of the procession.
It is also strongly recommended that you register for Fredericksburg Alert so that you receive weather related alerts and updates regarding the procession. Individual phone calls with updates will not be made.
6. Where is parking for the procession?
First and foremost, we cannot stress enough how important carpooling is. We recommend if you are participating in the procession that you park at the Fredericksburg Dog Park or the Winchester Street Parking Garage. Street parking is available on a first come, first served basis.
If you park on the street, make sure you obey all posted signage and restrictions and do not block any driveways or alleys. Please do not park in any private parking lots unless you have permission from the property owner to do so.
Contracted towing companies, not the Police Department, are authorized to tow vehicles from most private lots. If you are towed the day of the event, please call Fredericksburg Police Headquarters at 540-373-3122 option #2.
7. Will streets be closed on the day of the event?
No. Please refer to the procession map. The streets along the procession route will remain open up until the start time of the procession. A police escorted, rolling road block will be in place as the procession makes its way to the Fredericksburg Area War Memorial.
There will be street closures around the Fredericksburg Area War Memorial for the safety of all attending the Veterans Day Commemoration.
8. What is the timeline for procession day?
9:00 a.m. arrive at Memorial Park, 10:00 a.m. step off, 10:30 a.m. arrive at the Fredericksburg Area War Memorial.
9. Can my family, friends or pets walk with me in the procession?
Family and friends are encouraged to line Washington Avenue, watch the procession pass by and then fall in line at the end. For those Veterans that are in need of assistance, a family member or aide is welcome to walk alongside the Veteran. Service dogs are welcome.
10. Where are restrooms along the procession route?
There will be restrooms available at Memorial Park and at Hurkamp Park. Refer to the procession map for locations.
11. What is there to do once the procession arrives at the Fredericksburg Area War Memorial?
The Veterans Day Commemoration will be held at the War Memorial beginning at 10:45 a.m. Please join us for this ceremony as we honor those who have fought for our freedoms. Fredericksburg Regional Transit will be available to take those Veterans that rode in the procession on the bus back to the parking lots on Kenmore Avenue.
12. Who is the main point of contact for the procession? How do I get in touch with them?
Sammy Walker with Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events is the main point of contact for the procession. He can be reached at 540-372-1086 ext. 308 or at sjwalker@fredericksburgva.gov.