Washington County residents will gather on Saturday, Nov. 7, for a community‑wide celebration of Veterans Day. The parade, scheduled to start at 10 a.m., will feature a 70‑unit marching column, vintage military vehicles, civic groups, youth organizations, local businesses, and first‑responders.
Resource fair and keynote address
Before the procession, the Main Street Pavilion will host a Veterans Resource Fair at 8:30 a.m. The fair will provide job interview opportunities with McDonald’s, information on veterans’ health care, and other support services. A basket raffle will raise funds for groups that assist veterans with mental‑health challenges.
Retired U.S. Marine Corps officer Eric McElvenney, a Paralympian who lost his right leg below the knee after stepping on an IED in Afghanistan, will deliver the keynote speech. McElvenney’s story of perseverance and service underscores the day’s theme, “A grateful community never forgets.”
Honors and flyover
The ceremony will include a wreath‑laying at the Washington County Courthouse war memorial and a flyover by Huey helicopters, adding a solemn tribute to the veterans honored as Hometown Heroes.
Waynesburg’s parallel celebration
Just a few miles away, Waynesburg will begin its own parade at 9 a.m. on High Street. The pre‑ceremony features patriotic face painting for children, and the Carmichaels American Legion Post 400 Band will provide live music. Like the Washington County event, Waynesburg’s parade will showcase veterans of all eras, military units, civic groups, youth organizations, local businesses, and vintage vehicles. After the march, refreshments will be served at The Way, inviting veterans and the public to share a meal.
Community involvement
Event co‑chair Anastasia Barr‑Whiteman, co‑owner of Pretzels Plus in Washington, emphasized the importance of community participation. “We want to make this a big celebration to honor our veterans,” she said. Co‑chair Melissa Six, a third‑generation U.S. Army veteran, added that the day reflects the county’s deep respect for those who have served.
Both parades provide an opportunity for families, neighbors, and local organizations to come together in gratitude, reinforcing the shared values of service, sacrifice, and community spirit that define Washington and Waynesburg.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
