Lincoln, Nebraska – The Lincoln Veterans Parade Group, best known for organizing the city’s Veteran’s Day parade, is broadening its mission to serve veterans every day of the year. President Antonio Marino, a Marine Corps veteran, says the organization wants to bridge the gap between service members and the broader community.
Year‑round outreach
Since 2018, Marino has led the group with a focus on both the parade and ongoing assistance. Recent initiatives include a “Sock and Tops” drive that collected socks, shirts, hygiene supplies and cash donations for veteran families. The group also launched the Honor Project, a collection of recorded stories from military members and their families that aim to dispel common misconceptions about veterans.
Addressing veteran challenges
Marino, who served as a heavy‑equipment mechanic in the Marine Corps and was stationed in California and Japan, knows the transition to civilian life can be isolating. “At first it’s great—you’re out, you can do what you want, wake up whenever you want,” he explained. “But then you start feeling the loneliness.” The organization’s events are designed to combat that loneliness by fostering community connections and highlighting the valuable contributions veterans continue to make.
Community integration
“We want to make sure that they are also integrating with the community members, and that the community knows how veterans and military can transition and help out with what they’re doing,” Marino said. By partnering with local volunteers, churches, schools and businesses, the group hopes to create a network of support that extends far beyond the parade route.
Parade details
The upcoming Veteran’s Day parade will begin on K Street and travel westward toward the Capitol Building, featuring American flags, candy and a celebration of service. Residents who wish to volunteer at the parade or any of the year‑round events are encouraged to visit the Lincoln Veterans Parade Group’s website for more information.
Looking ahead
Marino’s vision for the organization is clear: to honor veterans not just on a single day, but continuously, by providing tangible resources, sharing authentic stories, and reinforcing the bond between those who served and the citizens they protect. As the group expands its outreach, Lincoln’s veterans can look forward to a stronger, more supportive community throughout the year.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
