Their ranks are thinning, and they might be a little rounder around the middle from the times in which their youths were “touched with fire,” but their patriotic ardor hasn’t faded, and they will be stepping off at the annual Lycoming County Veterans Day Parade this Saturday, November 7, in Hughesville at 2 p.m. or 1400 hours, military time.
This parade brings veterans, families, organizations, businesses, and communities from throughout Lycoming County together for a day of remembrance, gratitude, and celebration.
While the parade is hosted by a different municipality within Lycoming County each year, the Lycoming County Veterans Day Parade is a county-wide parade.
The annual rotation allows communities throughout the county to have the opportunity to host and showcase this important celebration. This year, Hughesville Borough has the honor of serving as the host municipality, welcoming residents and participants from across Lycoming County.
The 2026 parade will have some additional special significance as our nation celebrates 250 years of American history this year.
Parade entrants are encouraged to honor the men and women who have served our country while also highlighting the 250th birthday of the United States of America.
The parade will provide an opportunity for communities across Lycoming County to come together to recognize the sacrifices and service of our veterans and celebrate the history, traditions, and communities that make up our county and our nation.
Retired U. S. Navy Captain William Sherwood will be serving as the parade’s Grand Marshal.
He served for more than 30 years in the Navy. He worked in the unglamorous but necessary role in logistics and supply during most of that time. He was responsible for everything from the bombs and ordnance that bombed Hanoi to the meals that Navy personnel ate.
“I am enormously honored and grateful to have been named the parade’s Grand Marshall,” Sherwood told Webb Weekly. “Parades and occasions like this are a great way of instilling love of country for people, especially young people.” “I hope that everyone, particularly young people, never forget the sacrifices and dedication that our veterans have shown in defending this country in peace and in war. I worry sometimes about whether younger people fully realize and appreciate the sacrifices that these veterans have made to keep them free.”
The Parade Ambassador is Eugene Otterbein, a retired United States Air Force Master Sergeant. He is President of the Veterans Memorial Park in Picture Rocks and serves on Picture Rocks Borough Council.
This year’s parade is being organized through a collaborative effort between the Lycoming County Veterans Day Parade Committee, Hughesville Borough, and American Legion Post 35.
Hughesville Mayor Richard Smith and Commander Mick Maneval of American Legion Post 35 are working with the Lycoming County Veterans Day Parade Committee to assist in organizing and coordinating this year’s parade.
The committee appreciates the support of Hughesville Borough, American Legion Post 35, and the many volunteers and community organizations helping bring this county-wide celebration to Hughesville.
Parade formation will take place at Gate 3 of the Lycoming County Fairgrounds.
The parade will step off at 2:00 p.m. and travel along: Fairgrounds Gate 3 to Broadway, to Main St., to Walnut St., to Railroad St., and ending at the Hughesville Fire Department, where a meal will be provided for the participating veterans.
