Detroit’s Enduring Veterans Day Parade Celebrates 20 Years
Detroit once again honored its heroes on the Sunday before Veterans Day, as the city’s annual parade marked its 20th anniversary. Despite the cold and snow, the community gathered to celebrate the men and women who have served our nation, showcasing a deep-rooted tradition of unwavering respect and gratitude.
Two Decades of Dedication: A Parade Rekindled
This year’s Detroit Veterans Day Parade marked a significant milestone: 20 years since its revival. Even the challenging November weather, with cold and snow, couldn’t dampen the spirits of participants or spectators. Joe Salvia, a parade co-founder and veteran himself, expressed profound pride in the event’s resilience. He highlighted the volunteer efforts of organizers who work tirelessly, making “no money,” simply to ensure the parade happens, “whether it rains or shines.” This dedication underscores the profound importance of the parade to the local veteran community and its supporters.
From an Idea to a Thriving Tradition
The journey to the 20th annual parade began two decades ago when Joe Salvia, at a veterans’ convention, proposed rekindling the Detroit Veterans Day Parade. What started as an idea among fellow veterans has blossomed into a cherished yearly event. Parade manager Jerry Eden, also a veteran, proudly noted the event’s growing scale, with 85 organizations registering to march this year—the highest number in its two-decade history. This continuous growth signifies the parade’s increasing reach and resonance within Detroit and beyond, spreading the word about its vital mission.
A Unified Celebration of Service
The event kicked off with a meaningful ceremony held inside the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 58 headquarters. Jerry Eden eloquently captured the essence of the gathering: “Every veteran that I’ve ever met, when it comes to the Detroit veterans parade, shows up for one reason only, and that is to celebrate veterans. They don’t care who you are. They don’t care your political ideology. It’s all about veterans.” This spirit of non-partisan unity and mutual respect is a cornerstone of the Detroit parade.
World War II veteran Art Fishman, an Oak Park resident turning 99 in February, echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s always nice to come here, because all of a sudden, I got a family again.” His words beautifully illustrate the profound sense of belonging and camaraderie the parade fosters among veterans. U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, representing Michigan’s 11th Congressional District, also attended, warmly greeting Fishman and other participants, demonstrating political support for the event’s crucial message.
Honoring the Legacy of Service
As lawmakers bundled up and waved, and runners raced alongside the route for a 4-mile run, the overarching message remained clear. Joe Salvia reminded everyone of the immense sacrifices made by service members throughout history: “Since George Washington, all the way to today, 44 million men and women served our country, so we need to kind of remember them at least once during the year.” The Detroit Veterans Day Parade serves as a powerful reminder of this collective debt of gratitude, ensuring that the contributions of veterans are never forgotten.
Key Facts About the Detroit Veterans Day Parade
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Anniversary | 20 Years |
| Event Date | Sunday before Veterans Day |
| Organizations Participating (2025) | 85 (Record High) |
| Co-founder | Joe Salvia |
| Parade Manager | Jerry Eden |
| Notable Participant | WWII Veteran Art Fishman (turning 99) |
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the Detroit Veterans Day Parade typically take place?
The parade is traditionally held on the Sunday before Veterans Day each year, honoring the holiday early. - Who was instrumental in restarting the modern Detroit parade?
Joe Salvia, a veteran himself, got the idea to rekindle the parade 20 years ago, bringing together other veterans to make it happen. - How has the parade grown over the years?
This year marked a significant increase in participation, with 85 organizations registering, making it the largest parade in its 20-year history. - What is the core message or feeling of the event?
The parade strongly emphasizes unity and celebration of veterans, transcending political differences to focus purely on honoring service members and fostering a sense of family among them.
The Detroit Veterans Day Parade is more than just an event; it’s a testament to the city’s enduring respect for its veterans. Consider joining next year, whether as a spectator or volunteer, to help uphold this vital tradition for our local heroes.
Detroit Veterans Day Parade Marks Two Decades
