People of all ages assembled in Charleston on Wednesday morning to recognize the veterans of the United States military. The annual Charleston Veterans Day Parade moved onto the Capital City’s streets, drawing crowds that lined the downtown route to watch marching bands, ROTC groups and local leaders take part in the celebration.

Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin addressed the crowd, thanking veterans for their service and emphasizing the community’s gratitude. “You make this community great. You are also the reason why we are celebrating on such a special day of our freedom, and thank you. Thank you to everything that you have given to us. We will never, ever forget it, and thank you, Charleston, for once again showing all of us who you really are,” the mayor said.

The parade was hosted by the John Brawley American Legion Post 20 and marked the event’s 85th year in 2026. The long‑standing partnership with the Legion underscores the parade’s role as a historic tribute that has been part of Charleston’s civic calendar for decades.

West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner spoke at a ceremony held in downtown Charleston, highlighting the heroism of those who answered the call to serve. “Sometimes the greatest danger is simply that good people decide the fight is someone else’s responsibility. The men and women we honor today made a different choice. They chose to serve,” Warner said. He added that veterans “served to defend this country at home and to confront threats abroad,” ensuring that American freedoms continued to be protected.

Mayor Goodwin also noted an increase in youth involvement this year. She said she observed “more kids on the parade route,” and families told her they had taken their children out of school to experience the historic event. The mayor praised the presence of younger generations, calling it a sign that the community’s respect for military service is being passed to the next generation.

Sources: wchsnetwork.com