Celebrating 93 Years of Patriotism at the Brunswick Veterans Day Parade

93rd Annual Brunswick Veterans Day Parade Scheduled for November 9, 2025

The City of Brunswick is set to host its 93rd annual Veterans Day Parade on November 9, 2025. This event stands as one of the oldest of its kind in the nation, a true testament to the city's commitment to honor its veterans and celebrate its rich history of patriotism.

Opening Ceremony Details

The festivities will commence with an opening ceremony at 1 PM, featuring Navy Veteran Rick Weldon as the emcee. Among the highlights, Corporal Wilbur "Jack" Myers, a 102-year-old World War II veteran known for his service in the Battle of the Bulge, will perform the National Anthem. The ceremony will also include a salute from Miss Maryland 2025, Maria Derisavi, who will lead attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Described as an accomplished individual, Derisavi is not only a top graduate from the University of Alabama but also has extensive experience in law and public administration.

Additionally, the Brunswick Elementary School Chorus, under the direction of Jonathan Cook, will entertain the audience with two musical performances, setting a festive tone for the afternoon.

The Parade

At 2 PM, the parade kicks off with approximately 98 entries, showcasing a variety of participants including marching bands, military groups, fire trucks, antique vehicles, youth organizations, and community groups all competing for cash prizes in several parade categories. This year's honorary parade marshal is Charles F. Rentzel, a distinguished veteran who enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1951 and served as an Upper Air meteorologist during the Korean War. His background lends a special significance to the day's events, enhancing the sense of honor surrounding the celebration.

The parade will be emceed by Chip Jewell, the retired chief of Frederick's County's Division of Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services. Judging this year’s parade will be a panel of military veterans and small business owners: Navy veteran Angel Rivera, Army veteran Dr. Arielle Jordan, and Marine Corps veteran Dave Schmidt. Their contributions and leadership add to the depth of this traditional community event.

A Special Celebration

This year’s parade holds added significance as it commemorates America’s 250th birthday and recognizes the founding of the U.S. Army and Navy, with respective anniversaries occurring in June and October 2025. The day promises to be filled with pride, reminiscing, and celebration of military heritage.

After the parade, attendees are invited to a reception at American Legion Post 96 in Brunswick, where complimentary food and beverages will be served. This gathering is an excellent opportunity for participants and spectators to mingle and reflect on the day.

The commitment to celebrating and honoring veterans is showcased at this annual event, and the City of Brunswick invites everyone to join in this meaningful observance that honors those who have served our nation and ensures that their sacrifices are never forgotten.