The 77th Annual National Veterans Day Parade will take place Monday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m., following its traditional route through Downtown Birmingham. This year’s parade theme honors the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a pivotal moment in history.

“Each year, we aim to pay tribute to our nation’s veterans who have made immense sacrifices for our freedom,” Mark Ryan, president of the National Veterans Day Foundation, said. “We are excited to reach more veterans than ever before, with live streaming services available for those who cannot attend in person.”

The parade will be live streamed to all Veterans Health Administrations in central and northern Alabama, ensuring that every veteran can participate in the celebration. The event will showcase a vibrant mix of veterans service organizations, military units and local supporters, featuring color guards, high school bands, drill teams and veteran muscle car clubs. Hank the Tank, this year’s Riderless Horse, recently retired from Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. The Riderless Horse, a poignant custom dating back to the 12th century, powerfully symbolizes and honors fallen warriors, marked by backward boots in the stirrups.

For those unable to attend, the parade will also be broadcast live on nationalveteransday.org. The livestream begins when the parade reaches the viewing stand by city hall, around 1:30 p.m.

Birmingham’s Annual National Veterans Day Parade commemorates the national holiday officially signed into legislation by President Eisenhower in 1954, making it the longest-running parade of its kind in the nation. For more information, visit nationalveteransday.org.