The Pocatello Veterans Day Parade is a growing event, and the parade committee has made several changes this year to create the best possible experience for participants, sponsors, attendees, and veterans. Some of this year’s changes include, streamlining the parade lineup process, taking Parade Marshal nominations, and adding a Veterans Day-themed youth art contest (“Lest We Forget”). There is no entry fee.
The parade committee would like to have our veterans recognized. Last year we assigned a number for each entry, but during the lineup process, it was very difficult to put them in that order so that the announcer would know who is coming up at his location at Caldwell Park, so he could recognize the entry and the veterans.
The information that was gathered last year from each entry, the names of the veterans and participants is still on file. So this year, we have made large laminated number cards to be placed on the right front side of the entry so as the entry approaches Caldwell Park, the announcer will see that number, and will be able to identify your entry with the information in his binder. This number will correspond with the information you give to us on your entry. During lineup, you will be given your laminated number to be placed on your vehicle or float on the right side.
All entries will come enter South 1st Avenue Street off from East Holiday Street.
On August 31, 2023
Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho, located at 275 Tierra Vista Drive, Pocatello, ID 83201, presented the “Pocatello Veterans Day Parade” committee with a check for $3,000 to help cover the cost and expenses for The Veterans Parade.
The 2023 Veterans Day Parade is scheduled for 4 November
Parade Route ⇒
Additional parade coverage can be found in the Idaho State Journal article: https://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/local/best-parade-ever-details-released-on-first-pocatello-veterans-day-parade-in-eight-decades/article_4f6be271-19d6-5829-b6b2-fd25b3997ca5.html
Despite the 20 degree temperatures, the 2022 Veterans Day Parade was a resounding success with an estimated 4000+ Pocatellans braving the cold to show their support for veterans.
Veterans Day Parade Chairman, Richard Hollingsworth is also the Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars, District 7. He previously served as the Commander of Foreign Wars Post 735 for more than a decade.
October — Parade updates and reminders
For parade information or to sign up for a float, please visit:
All parade participants need to contact the parade committee at vfwccpost735@gmail.com or 208-221-0077, so you can be placed on the lineup sheet.
All floats and vehicles must be approved by the committee.
There is no entry fee for anyone participating in the parade.
The parade will start at the intersection of South first Avenue and East Center Street.
It will go up East Center Street where it will pass Caldwell Park on the south side of East Center Street.
When the parade arrives at 15th Street, it will turn and go south on South 15th Street and end at Reed Gym’s east-side parking lot.
There will be two sets of bleachers / seating available at Caldwell Park near Paul Anderson to watch and hear parade announcements.
The parade will be livestreamed (on Facebook and YouTube) with the help of Idaho State University.
The 2022 Veterans Day Parade is being sponsored by District 7 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The website for Post 735 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will be used as a conduit for information about the parade.
Veterans Day Parade Committee Members
Mr. Marshall G. Riggall – Retired (05) Commander US Navy
Mr. Mike Myers – Farm Bureau Insurance
Mr. Mike Smith – Lieutenant USAF Civil Air Patrol
Mr. George Breshears – Retired Colonel USAF Civil Air Patrol
Mr. Steve Roberts – Retired Colonel U. S. Army
Ms. Heidi Young – Veterans Family Services
Mr. Richard M. Hollingsworth – State of Idaho District #7 Commander VFW
Boy Scouts of America will precede each organization and carry an identifying banner
Various horse-oriented organizations will be the final entrants in the 2022 Veterans Day Parade.
Tentative Parade Lineup
United States Army
Idaho State University Marching Band
Parade Marshal for Army
Reserve Officers’ Training Corps
United States Marines
Parade Marshal for Marines
United States Navy Colors
Parade Marshal for Navy
Merchant Marines
Parade Marshal for Merchant Marines
United States Air Force
Parade Marshal for Air Force
United States Space Force
Air National Guard
United States Coast Guard
Veterans Service Organizations
Daughters of the American Revolution
Idaho Army National Guard
Veterans of the Foreign Wars
United States Army Reserve
United States Navy Reserve
American Legion
DAV
Marine Corps League
American Gold Star Mothers
MOA
Military Order of the Purple Heart
Civil Air Patrol
Am Vets
Non-Commissioned Officers Association
POW/MIA
Vietnam Veterans of America
Student Veterans of America
Idaho State University
Idaho State Veterans Home
Memory Walk and Honor Walk
Walkers with a Photo, Memento, or sign in
remembrance of a Veteran
At Caldwell Park a booth will be set up with an announcer who will describe what is coming next in the parade, who they are, what they are, and where they came from, and their sponsors. Mr Paul Anderson will be the announcer with the assistance of Mrs. Melissa Hartman.
The Veterans Day Parade committee has requested aerial flyovers. The airspace falls under the preview of the United States Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration. FAA has been contacted, in Salt Lake City, Utah and a request has been submitted for their review.
Request for Armed Forces participation in our Veterans Day Parade has been submitted, along with a request for Military Aerial Support for our flybys and for a static display has been submitted.
The committee has submitted a request for the Federal Aviation Administration coordination for our Veterans Day Parade to be considered for US Military support. Along with that flight, standard District office will be reviewing the flight plan for the flybys if approved by the military branch.
1. “Lest we Forget” is the theme for the parade.
2. All entries for the parade must be pre-approved by the committee: send to vfwccpost735@gmail.com.
3. “Sponsors and Donations” must be made out to “District #7 VFW” no cash please.
4. Floats – signs must be placed on all four sides identifying the group. Maximum float length 55 ft, height not to exceed 13 ft, width not to exceed 9 ft. Construction materials must be able to stand up to rain or snow, music on the floats is welcome, but no loud sirens.
5. At the end of the parade there will be a Memory walk or Honor walk by anyone, to honor a veteran, walking with a photo, momento or sign.
The Veterans Day Parade line up will be on South First Street, starting at 8 a.m., the parade will start at 10:45 a.m.. It will go up East Center Street, then turn South on 25th Street and end at Reed’s Gym parking lot.
