The Pensacola Beach Elk’s Lodge will honor veterans with a parade, flyover and patriotic ceremonies Wednesday, November 11 on Pensacola Beach. The Pensacola Beach Elk’s Veterans Day Parade will begin at 2 p.m. heading west from Avenida 11 along Via de Luna. The parade ends at the Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach, where everyone is invited to attend the Veterans Day Ceremony.
Pensacola Beach’s parade was founded in 1988 by Morrie Drees, retired Navy Commander, as a simple march to honor veterans. The first Beach Veterans Day Parades were well attended by participating veterans and spectators. Over the years, the parade has grown in size and pageantry. Spectators can expect to see dozens of entries including convertibles, golf carts, precision marching units representing every branch of service, and war or conflict.
The 2026 Grand Marshall and post parade ceremony featured speaker is Pensacola’s very own United States Marine Corp LCPL (Ret) Chris Lambert. He is the recipient of three Purple Hearts while assigned to the First Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, Alpha Company Rifle Platoon in the Republic of Vietnam. He is currently a VSO officer for Pensacola’s Marine Corps League.
As soon as the parade disbands, spectators are invited to the Gulfside Pavilion for the post parade ceremony. Pensacola Beach Elks Lodge 497 Esteemed Loyal Knight Tammy Eddins will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. The ceremony will include the National Anthem, the POW/MIA ceremony, the featured speaker and a closing ceremony.
Elk’s Lodge Parade Committee Member Charlene Powell encouraged the community to attend.
“It is my hope that the parade route is lined with guests wearing red, white and blue. The Elks will be distributing American flags along the parade route. Please join us in honoring these brave veterans,” she said. “Stick around after the parade. This year the post parade ceremony is proudly supported by Veterans Flight who will conduct a fly by in a moving tribute to our veterans. “
There is no charge to attend and parking is free.
Any veteran wishing to participate in the parade is encouraged to contact Trish Welch at trishwelch@ymail.com or 703-606-4741.