EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville Veterans Day Parade began at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, in downtown Edwardsville, honoring veterans from nearly every branch of the U.S. military and spanning conflicts from World War II through Desert Storm.
Organized by Edwardsville American Legion Post 199 and the Metro East Community Rotary Club, the parade started in the 900 block of North Main Street in Edwardsville and proceeded south on Main Street before concluding on West Street. The event drew a strong turnout from local businesses and the general public.
Among the honored veterans was a World War II veteran, Jacob Miller, riding in a carriage. Miller is a Purple Heart recipient and fought at the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.
“It was a great honor to have him in our parade,” Edwardsville Post 199 Commander Doug Thompson said.
Don Takacs, a Vietnam War combat veteran and member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, served as the parade’s grand marshal. Several Vietnam-era veterans participated in the event. He is a past Post 199 commander.
Thompson said the 3 p.m. start time was chosen previously to take advantage of daylight and warmer temperatures, as well as to accommodate families with children returning to school. He added that many individuals throughout the region are off for Veterans Day on Tuesday.
“It is great for the community partnered with Rotary Club in Edwardsville-Glen Carbon, and we had a great turnout from veterans, local businesses, and the general public,” Thompson said. “It is very fulfilling when veterans see the support we get from the community.”
The parade featured a wide array of participants, including military vehicles such as a World War II-era Duck amphibious vehicle, area bands, and representatives from various veterans’ organizations. A unique aspect of this year’s event was the presence of veterans from every major conflict, including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm.
In addition to the parade, American Legion Post 199 supports the community by providing coats to the school district, meals through the Glen Ed Food Pantry, and donations to feed the community during the holidays.
