Veterans Day Parade showcases St. Joseph’s appreciation for those who served
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- From North 22nd Street and Frederick Avenue all the way to City Hall, supporters lined the streets Tuesday in honor of those who dedicated their life to the armed forces.
The 2025 Veterans Day Parade took place Tuesday morning with residents and patriots alike showing out in support for the annual holiday event.
Led proudly by local units from JROTC, the parade kicked off at North 22nd Street before heading down Frederick with a wide-range of organizations, veterans and servicemembers in tow, all with the patriotic sounds of local bands from Central, Benton and Lafayette High Schools.
"It was important to show support for all their loyalty and service that they've put in for our country," said St. Joseph resident Richard Swadluy, who attended the parade. "My brother Scott was in the Navy and it's great to see people support people like him who served. It brings everybody together. We're a big family anyway."
Featured in the parade were VFW units with the American Legion and Marine Corps League, one of multiple branches represented, along with local organizations like the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, among many others.
Swadluy is one of many residents who came to show support and recognition to all veterans.
According to data from the U.S. Census and Pew Research Center, there are roughly 14 million veterans living in the United States currently, with an estimated 4,100 in the greater St. Joseph area alone.
Jess Chrisman and her two children Lyliana and Wyatt were in attendance to honor their family members. Chrisman served eight years in the military and knows firsthand what people have gone through and how meaningful it is to show appreciation for those individuals.
"Everybody's got a war story of some kind," Chrisman said. "And sometimes it's just nice to hear what they went through because it was a choice that they made. Having people come out brings a lot to the community. It shows the depths because you never know what someone has gone through."
