VANCOUVER, Wash. – On Veterans Day, November 11, the Historic Trust and Gesa Credit Union will host the 38th Annual Lough Legacy Veterans Parade, a community‑wide celebration of the men and women who have defended our nation. The parade begins at 11 a.m. at the historic Marshall House on the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and will wind through downtown Vancouver, ending near the Pearson Air Museum.
Grand Marshal and Reviewing Officer
The ceremony will feature 2026 Grand Marshal Patrick Locke, a decorated United States Army veteran who served from 1968 to 1978. Locke earned a Bronze Star, three Purple Hearts and the Air Medal, and continues to serve veterans through leadership roles with La Société des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux, Voiture 99, the Community Military Appreciation Committee and the Clark County Veterans Advisory Board.
Joining him as Reviewing Officer is Lt. Col. Kari M. Armstrong, an experienced F‑15E Weapon Systems Officer with more than 1,600 flight hours, including 390 combat hours. She currently commands the 142nd Maintenance Squadron at Portland Air National Guard Base and has held senior positions within the Washington Air National Guard since 2019.
Parade Route and Activities
The rain‑or‑shine procession will start on E. Reserve Street and E. Evergreen Blvd, travel west along Officers Row, then south on Fort Vancouver Way to E. 5th Street, before heading east to conclude near the Pearson Air Museum. Spectators are encouraged to stop by Gesa Credit Union and other sponsor booths for free giveaways while supplies last.
In addition to the parade, the Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC) will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pearson Air Museum (1115 E. 5th St., Vancouver, WA 98661). Local employers and organizations that support veterans will be on hand to share job opportunities, resources and community programs.
Supporting Organizations
The Historic Trust, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and celebrating Clark County’s heritage, organizes the event to inspire civic pride and strengthen the local economy through education and community engagement. For more details, visit their calendar at thehistorictrust.org/calendar or call 360‑992‑1800.
Gesa Credit Union, one of Washington’s largest credit unions with $6.8 billion in assets and over 322,000 members, sponsors the parade as part of its ongoing commitment to local communities. The credit union offers a full suite of consumer, mortgage and business services and supports charitable initiatives through the Gesa Community Foundation.
Why It Matters
This annual parade underscores the deep respect Vancouver residents have for those who have served our country. By bringing together veterans, families, local businesses and civic leaders, the event reinforces the traditional values of family, faith and liberty that define our community.
All are welcome to join the celebration, honor our veterans, and experience the rich history of Fort Vancouver. For parking information, parade maps and additional details, please refer to the Historic Trust’s event page.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
