The South Kingstown Veterans Day Parade, sponsored by VFW Post 916, will be conducted on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 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.
The parade route starts on Holley 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. 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.
Following the parade, a ceremony honoring all veterans will be conducted at Saugatucket Park beginning at approximately 11:00am. This year’s Grand Marshal is Staff Sergeant Marcos E. Taveras. Taveras joined the Marine Corps in 2009. After basic training he successfully graduated as an Infantry Mortarman and a Rifleman. Taveras was deployed from 2010-2012 as well as 2022. He served in Afghanistan for 7 months and operated in the Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East. Following this, in 2013 he joined the Rhode Island National Guard. He has various awards and decorations, some of which include Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and an Expert Rifle Badge. He has since begun a new career in law enforcement and is now a member of the South Kingstown Police department.
Former VFW State Commander Joe “Tiger” Patrick will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Father Albert Ranallo, Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church, will offer the ceremony’s invocation and benediction. The South Kingstown High School Marching Band, directed by Fritz Benz, will open the ceremony with the National Anthem, and perform the Navy Hymn during the wreath laying.
In the event of inclement weather the parade may be cancelled, and the ceremony will be conducted at the South Kingstown High School at 11:00 am Please log onto www.southkingstownri.gov for all scheduling updates on the day of the parade.