Carthage VFW Invites Community to Participate in Veterans Day Parade

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Businesses, community organizations and individuals are invited to participate in the third annual Carthage VFW Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at 2 p.m. on the Historic Downtown Square in Carthage.

The American Legion, VFW Post 2590 and its Auxiliary are encouraging the community to join the parade and show appreciation for local veterans who have served the nation.

Organizers say the parade is an opportunity to bring the community together to honor veterans and encourage greater participation in an event that has seen limited turnout in recent years.

"This will be our third one. It's been a little bit shy in the last couple years," said Juris. "And being veterans, we would like to see people come out. Veterans Day being 11/11, and then I think Joplin's parade is on 11/7, so we chose to do ours on 11/14."

Organizers emphasize that participants do not have to be veterans or represent a veterans organization to take part. Businesses, clubs, community groups and individuals are all welcome, provided their entries reflect patriotism and support for the nation's troops.

"You do not have to have a veterans organization. We just ask that you are patriotic and that you are supporting our troops. It is a Veterans Day theme," Juris said. "So if you got a business, organization, even individuals, give us a call. Please do."

The message behind the parade is simple: "They showed up for us. Now it's our turn," Juris said veterans have spent years serving their country, often away from the public eye, and hopes residents will take the opportunity to show their appreciation by attending and participating.

"Every veteran in the world and for the United States of America, we've signed a blank check that says we will go, unfortunately, into places that we'd rather not be. But we will do that, and we've done it for many years, since 1775," Juris said.

"On the same hand, we're just asking that people come out and respect us and basically show up and support us. We've kind of done it behind the scenes for all these years," Juris added. "Please come out and support us. That's all we're asking, is one day a year to come out and see us in the parade and please participate and help us out."

Registration Deadline Approaching

Registration is open, but entries must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 6. Community members interested in participating are encouraged to register before the deadline.

Registration is available through the online form at: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfq7Q3iG7T91W.../viewform

For more information, call 417-358-1657 or email [email protected].

Community Invited to VFW Activities

The day's activities will continue after the parade at VFW Post 2590, where organizers plan to offer free food to attendees. A band, Loose Cannons, is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m.

Juris said the event is intended to be family-oriented and welcoming to the broader community.

"It's definitely family-oriented. Bring your kids. Show up. That's the kind of place we like to run, and that's how we want to be known for. So, yeah, please come out and see us," Juris said.

Beyond the parade, VFW Post 2590 offers opportunities for veterans and other community members to connect throughout the year. Juris encouraged veterans who may be looking for companionship, support or assistance navigating their benefits to reach out to the post.

"Every Friday morning and every Monday morning, the guys get together about 9 o'clock a.m. and they stop at the V and they just come in for coffee time. For about an hour, they sit there and discuss and hang out," Juris said. "You don't have to be a veteran. Our post is open to the community. So if you need a place to go or just want to come see us, come see us."

Juris said the post also works to connect veterans with available benefits and support services while providing a welcoming place to spend time with others who understand their experiences.

"As a commander, it means a lot to me that when I see someone kind of down and out as a veteran, hey, come see us. Let's talk about what we can do to help? That's what we're here for. We're vets helping vets," Juris said.

Juris also encouraged residents to look up the post on Facebook to learn more about its activities and community events, including its Independence Day fireworks.

Organizers encourage residents to share the invitation with local businesses, clubs, neighbors and others who may want to participate in the parade and help make this year's event a meaningful tribute to those who served.