Veterans Day parade set for Nov. 11 in downtown Sarasota

By Observer Staff
| 5:00 a.m. October 14, 2025

Col. Ben Knisely, who served 28 years in the U.S. Army and was honored as Veteran of the Year, interacts with the public during the 2024 Veterans Day parade.

Sarasota
Neighbors

In partnership with the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee, the city of Sarasota will hold the annual Veterans Day parade at starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, in downtown.

The parade route begins at Main Street and Orange Avenue, a new location from previous years, and will conclude at J.D. Hamel Park at Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue, where the iconic Doughboy War Memorial was recently restored. A ceremony at the park will begin at approximately 11 a.m., honoring all who have served in the United States military.

The keynote speaker will be U.S. Navy veteran Michael Bennett, who after his service began a business career in the Sarasota-Manatee area, later elected to the Florida House of Representatives where he championed veterans’ causes. He also served as Manatee County Supervisor of Elections until retiring in 2024.

The parade will include performances by the Sarasota Military Academy and other local high school marching bands. Local law enforcement agencies, first responders, color guards, veterans’ groups, community organizations and local dignitaries will also participate in the parade.

Commercial vehicles are not permitted to participate.

For more information, including inquiries about participating in the parade, contact Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee Chairman Dan Kennedy at 941-812-5406 or by email at [email protected].