On November 11, 2017, Wilmington held the first of its kind Veterans Day parade in downtown Wilmington. Sponsored and organized by the nonprofit Southeast North Carolina (SENC) Veterans Day Parade, the event honors the sacrifices made by veterans and active-duty service members in the region. The parade provides a moment of public recognition and connection for veterans. For families, it offers inspiration and appreciation. For the greater Wilmington community, it reinforces the values of service, sacrifice, and remembrance.
Since 2017, the parade has grown exponentially to now include not only veterans, veteran groups, veteran support groups, high school marching bands, ROTC units, and first responders, but also representatives from all branches of the military services. As a charitable organization, the SENC Veterans Day Parade relies on donations, fundraisers, and grants to carry out its work in the community. This includes not only organizing and hosting the parade, but also awarding scholarships to children of veterans, providing emergency financial assistance to veterans in need, supporting mental health and wellness programs, and other initiatives.
Since the parade’s inception, the John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68 Leland has been an enthusiastic parade participant and ardent supporter. Recognizing the importance of donations to support the SENC Veterans Day Parade’s ambitious plans, the Post recently donated $500 to the organization. On hand at the presentation on Saturday, August 9, 2025, were Post 68 members Bea Frost, Commander; Joe Frost, Financial Officer; Evan Jones, 2nd Vice Commander; Lane Adrian, Veterans Service Officer; Eric Mens, Public Affairs; John Hacker, Member-at-Large; Bob Northrup, Post Color Guard; and Tom Powers. Jim Verdon, Vice Chair for the SENC Veterans Parade, accepted the donation on behalf of the organization’s Board of Directors and presented a framed Certificate of Appreciation to Commander Frost.
This year’s event will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 8, 2025, in downtown Wilmington, NC. Beginning at 11 a.m. on Third Street, the parade will travel from Harnett Street to Market Street. The route runs through the heart of downtown, offering great viewing areas along N. 3rd St. and especially along the sidewalks near Market St., where the parade concludes. To learn more about the SENC Veterans Day Parade or how you can donate, support, or volunteer, visit https://www.sencveteransparade.com/veterans-parade.