Miami Beach sets date for large parade

The City of Miami Beach will host its 18th annual Veterans Day parade and celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The event is a partnership between the city and VFW Post 3559. It is the largest parade of its kind in South Florida.

The parade starts at 11:11 a.m. on Ocean Drive at Fifth Street. It moves south to 15th Street. The start time marks the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. This date originally honored the armistice ending World War I. It now honors all American veterans.

Marching groups will lead the way. Veteran and military units, marching bands, and musical and dance troupes will participate. Local businesses and community organizations will also take part. Participation has grown over the years. It started with about 50 people and now includes more than 1,000. The crowd includes students, public officials, and local organizations.

Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner said the day holds deep meaning for the city. He noted that Miami Beach was one of the nation’s largest training centers for American service members during World War II. Many soldiers returned after the war to raise families and build businesses. Meiner said their legacy is woven into the city’s history.

The 2026 event carries the theme “Forever Honored.” It is part of the city’s America 250 celebration. This campaign marks the 250th anniversary of American independence. The city is using the occasion to expand how it honors veterans.

At 12:15 p.m., the focus shifts to Lummus Park. The Miami Beach Police and Fire Department Honor Guards will present the colors. Participants will recite the Pledge of Allegiance and hear the National Anthem. A moment of silence will honor the World War I Armistice Day tradition. A 21-gun salute and a taps bugler will follow. A wreath-laying ceremony will conclude the military honors.

Representatives from U.S. Southern Command and local elected officials will give remarks. Miami Beach Girl Scouts will unveil the restored Miami Beach Fire Department Station No. 4 Flag Box. This restoration is part of the day’s civic activities.

Before the main event, the city is running a digital campaign called VFW Letters of Gratitude. It is part of the Parks and Recreation Department’s America 250 programming. The campaign is a partnership with VFW Post 3559, The Betsy Hotel, and Badger, a veteran-owned social platform. The public can upload photos of handwritten letters or short thank-you videos.

People can submit these tributes at miamibeachfl.gov/america250 starting Nov. 2. A live feed will display the submitted content. From Nov. 7 to 10, a bugle call of “Retreat” will sound at sunset. This will happen at The Betsy Hotel, 1440 Ocean Dr., Lincoln Road and Pennsylvania Avenue, and 73rd Street and Ocean Terrace. Submitted letters and videos will be projected onto The Betsy Orb each evening from 6 to 11 p.m.

On Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to noon, residents can drop off unsealed gratitude letters for active-duty members. The location is the Parks and Recreation registration tent at Fifth Street and Ocean Drive in Lummus Park. Participants will receive a “Forever Honored” commemorative hat while supplies last. The collected letters and cards will be mailed to military bases.