The Veterans Boat Parade is a day parade honoring veterans and those on active duty in all branches of the military. Scheduled for Saturday, November 12, the parade seeks sponsors to support the parade, and volunteers to make it happen. Coordinated entirely by volunteers since 1996, the Veterans Boat Parade invites all residents to participate by decorating their boats in patriotic colors and queuing up at 10:00 a.m. at the dock behind American Legion Post 273, 600 American Legion Drive, Madeira Beach, north of the Tom Stuart Causeway behind the Madeira Shopping
After opening ceremonies, the parade gets underway at 11:00 a.m. proceeding north to the canal off Redington Drive, then turning south and entering the canal behind Madeira Beach City Hall, then entering Boca Ciega Bay, John’s Pass, and the large canal of Capri Isle and Isle of Palms. There is no charge for boaters to participate, only a display of the nation’s colors.
“Our purpose is to remember and honor our veterans, and to educate the next generation about the significance of Veterans Day,” says parade coordinator Warren (Capt. Shep) Shephard.
To sponsor the parade or volunteer to make it happen, contact Shephard via e-mail at captshep8@gmail.com or by phone at 727-212- 0543. Find out more at http://www.veteransboatparade.org/.