Savannah hosts 79th Veterans Day Parade

by Mackenzie Baker

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The City of Savannah is celebrating all the men and women who have served our county in the military with a special event Tuesday — the 79th annual Veterans Day Parade.

However, organizers say this year’s event will look different due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Military involvement in the parade

The biggest change to this year’s event is that active-duty military units and personnel will not march in the Veterans Day Parade.

A few weeks ago, some of the parade entrants — including the 3rd Infantry Division band — were still weighing whether to participate. The Fort Stewart band usually leads the parade through Downtown Savannah every year.

Over the weekend, the Veterans Council of Chatham County learned the military would not be participating. Chairman Joe Higgins said he was expecting the decision because of the government shutdown and resulting funding issues have lasted for over a month.

Despite their absence, the council is hoping to host a great event honoring the sacrifice, selflessness and service of all military members.

Over 100 bands, floats and organizations are signed up to show appreciation and support for the troops.

Higgins also said the council will miss having the active-duty members in the parade, but their biggest concern is what’s best for them.

“My message to them is ‘I completely understand, I’m more worried about you getting paid. I can put on a parade without you, the fact that you’re not getting paid bothers me and we’re going to continue fighting for you,” said Higgins.

Cold temperatures during the parade

Thousands of people are expected to line Abercorn, Liberty, Montgomery and Broughton Streets for the parade. The patriotic event is expected to last a few hours, leaving many people outside for an extended period in frigid temperatures.

Here are a few tips to stay safe in the cold:

Dress in layers and cover all areas of exposed skin, including your hands, head and neck.
Keep your core warm with hand and body warmers or by sipping on a warm drink.
Bring a blanket for extra comfort and warmth.
Move around periodically to keep your blood flowing.

Despite the chill, the Veterans Council of Chatham County expects Tuesday’s event to be a good one.

“It’s a beautiful parade. I’m really looking forward to it. If you’re going to come out, do make sure you bundle up. Bring some extra coffee. It is going to be very, very cold, but the show will go on, and this parade is going to be gorgeous for you,” said Higgins.

Savannah and Chatham County also have a significant homeless veteran population. Their living experience is made worse by freezing conditions.

The City of Savannah has opened warming spaces to help the entire unhoused community. Locations include the Salvation Army of Savannah, Union Mission and Come As You Are Ministries. The warming spaces will be open through Nov. 12.

Veterans Day Parade route

The parade steps off from Gwinnett and Abercorn Streets at 10:15 a.m. Roads along the route will be blocked off for the event. Normal traffic is expected to resume by 2 p.m.