The South Kingstown Veteran’s Day Parade, sponsored by VFW Post 916, will be conducted on Saturday, November 11, 2023 beginning at 10:00 am. The parade committee invites the entire community to join in celebrating veterans by lining Main Street, Wakefield, and recognizing members of our community who are currently serving or have served in the US Armed Forces.
Leading the parade will be Grand Marshal Montafix Houghton, Commander, RI National Guard, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment. Commander Houghton is also a Captain with the South Kingstown Police Department.
The parade route starts on Holly Street, turns onto Main Street, and concludes on High Street, at the Saugatucket Park Veterans Monument. It will feature Veterans Organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Vietnam Veterans of America, as well as the South Kingstown High School marching band, elected officials, the Gansett Guard, and numerous military marching groups, community organizations, and local public safety agencies.
Following the parade, a ceremony honoring all veterans will be conducted at Saugatucket Park beginning at approximately 11:00am. Former VFW State Commander Joe “Tiger” Patrick will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Pastor Stephen Mook of Generation Church will offer the ceremony’s invocation and benediction. To open the ceremony the South Kingstown High School Marching Band, directed by Fritz Benz, will perform the National Anthem, and the Navy Hymn during the wreath laying.
Veterans and/or their family members are strongly encouraged to march in the parade; and should meet behind Old Mountain Lanes, 765 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, at 9:30am.
In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be cancelled and the ceremony will be conducted at the South Kingstown High School at 11:00 am Please log onto www.southkingstownri.com or contact the Neighborhood Guild after 9:00 am at 789-9301 for all scheduling updates on the day of the parade.