Every November, the heart of Albany, Oregon, beats a little stronger as the Linn County Veterans Day Parade fills the streets with patriotic pride. Mark your calendars for November 11th—this beloved community event is an opportunity to honor the men and women who have served our country. The parade not only celebrates our veterans but also brings together families, neighbors, and visitors for a day filled with reflection, gratitude, and unity.
The Veterans Day Parade in Linn County Oregon is one of the largest west of the Mississippi, a point of pride for locals who eagerly gather to honor those who have defended our freedoms. As the floats pass by, featuring everything from military vehicles to marching bands, there’s a palpable sense of unity in the air. The streets of Albany transform into a sea of red, white, and blue, with flags waving high and cheers of appreciation echoing through the town.
At the helm of the organizing committee is Christine Ferguson. She jokes, “Prior to this, the biggest thing I had ever organized was a child’s birthday party!” This year marks her third parade as chair, and her passion for the event is clear. As the wife of a 27-year Navy veteran, Christine brings a personal connection to the work she does, making sure every detail is in place to properly honor veterans.
Christine and her team of volunteers work tirelessly to make this massive event run smoothly. In fact, the parade requires at least 60 volunteers just for staging and structure. “Fortunately, I have some amazing people with tons of experience who’ve stepped up to help,” she shared with a laugh. “All they asked was for me to stay out of their way!”
But there’s still a need for more volunteers—for example, she still needs four additional adult volunteers on the day of the event to assist with senior citizen seating.
The committee has also taken thoughtful steps to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of attendees since Christine has taken the helm. For example, they’ve added bleacher seating in the Key Bank parking lot for a better viewing experience, and more porta-potties.
Christine and her team are also mindful of keeping Albany clean by ordering extra trash cans along the parade route, encouraging attendees to do their part and keep litter off the streets
One of the new additions this year will surely delight families—there are five announcer stands scattered throughout the parade route, four of which will be hosted by local radio stations. These announcers will keep the energy high by playing fun, upbeat music. “We’ll have ‘dancing in the streets’ music to keep the kids engaged during the gap after the hundreds of motorcycles go through,” Christine explained. It’s clear that the committee is making every effort to ensure the parade is enjoyable for all ages.
Parades are such a great way to bring our local communities together, and in this case, the Linn County Oregon Veterans Day Parade serves a greater purpose. It’s a time to honor the veterans who live among us and to celebrate the values of service and sacrifice they embody. Children look up in awe at the veterans who walk or ride by, gaining a deeper understanding of what it means to serve one’s country. For veterans, it’s a time to feel the love and support of the community they fought to protect.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the parade is how it showcases the spirit of collaboration. Local schools, businesses, and non-profit organizations all participate, creating a diverse and colorful display of Albany’s close-knit community. Veterans from every branch of service are represented, and many carry flags or wear uniforms that tell the stories of their service. It’s a day where everyone, from the youngest child waving a tiny flag to the oldest veteran in attendance, comes together to say “thank you.”
This event does more than just celebrate the past—it helps build a future where veterans are continually honored and respected. By bringing the community together in this way, the parade strengthens local bonds and fosters a sense of shared responsibility for one another. Each year, the event grows, with more floats, more participants, and more spectators lining the streets.
As the parade winds through Albany, it’s not just the veterans who are celebrated. It’s also a celebration of the community itself—the schools, businesses, and local groups that contribute to making this event a success year after year. Their efforts ensure that each parade is special, meaningful, and a true expression of the gratitude Albany has for its veterans.
Mark your calendars for November 11th, and be part of one of Albany’s most beloved traditions. The Linn County Oregon Veterans Day Parade is a chance to come together as a community, honor our veterans, and show our support for those who have sacrificed so much. Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines, participating in the parade, or simply coming to show your gratitude, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Come and be part of the magic that happens when a community stands united in appreciation for its heroes. Veterans Day is about more than looking back—it’s about ensuring that those who have served feel the support and love of their community every day. See you at the parade!
For more information on how you can get involved, visit the Linn County Oregon Veterans Day Parade website or check out their Facebook page.
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