NOW LIVE from Birmingham, Alabama—the city that literally created Veterans Day. We’re broadcasting the 78th National Veterans Day Parade, led by Medal of Honor recipient Captain Gary Michael “Mike” Rose, the Vietnam War hero President Trump personally decorated at the White House in 2017. This isn’t just any parade—this is THE parade that transformed America’s recognition of veterans forever.
Watch as this 78-year-old warrior who saved 60 lives under enemy fire leads thousands through the streets where Veterans Day was born. In September 1970, during Operation Tailwind deep in enemy-controlled Laos, Captain Rose was shot multiple times while single-handedly ensuring every member of his unit made it home alive. Today, he marches at the head of America’s most historic veterans celebration.
The parade features one of the most emotionally powerful military traditions: Hank the Tank, the retired military horse from Arlington National Cemetery, walks riderless with boots reversed in the stirrups—the centuries-old symbol honoring our fallen leaders. Grant Hardy, Cap Walker with the Old Guard at Arlington Cemetery, leads this majestic tribute through Birmingham’s streets, bringing the sacred tradition from our nation’s most hallowed ground to the birthplace of Veterans Day.
Route details: Starting at 1 PM at 18th Street North and Ninth Avenue North, proceeding south to Fourth Avenue North, east to 22nd Street, north to Sixth Avenue North, west to 19th Street, then north to City Hall. The reviewing stand at 19th Street North provides the perfect vantage point. Parade concludes at 4:30 PM at 19th Street and Tenth Avenue North.
Birmingham holds unique significance in American military history. In 1946, World War II veteran Raymond Weeks led a delegation from this city to Washington, convincing General Dwight Eisenhower to expand Armistice Day into a holiday honoring ALL veterans. Birmingham hosted the first-ever Veterans Day activities in 1947. When Eisenhower became president in 1954, he signed legislation making November 11th officially Veterans Day—based on Birmingham’s model.
Today’s parade showcases the full spectrum of American military might and tradition: precision marching units from all service branches, vintage and modern military vehicles, JROTC formations, veteran service organizations, Gold Star families, patriotic floats, and marching bands filling the air with stirring military hymns and patriotic songs.
Captain Rose’s selection as Grand Marshal carries profound meaning. During Operation Tailwind, his unit faced overwhelming enemy forces in a classified mission deep in Laos. Despite being severely wounded by enemy gunfire, Rose repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire, coordinating defensive positions, calling in airstrikes, and physically carrying wounded soldiers to evacuation helicopters. His actions embodied the highest traditions of military service—never leave anyone behind.
The riderless horse tradition dates back to President Lincoln’s funeral and represents a warrior who will ride no more. Hank the Tank has served at Arlington National Cemetery, participating in countless military funerals for America’s heroes. His presence today connects Birmingham’s celebration to the most sacred rituals of American military honor. The backwards boots symbolize the fallen warrior’s last look back at family and the life left behind.
Special recognition goes to Birmingham’s veteran community, which has maintained this parade tradition for 78 consecutive years—through wars, conflicts, and even the pandemic when many cities canceled celebrations. This consistency honors not just veterans but the promise America makes to those who serve: we will remember, we will honor, we will never forget.
Local businesses throughout Birmingham are showing appreciation with special veterans discounts and free admissions. The Birmingham Zoo offers free entry to all veterans today. Restaurants, retailers, and service providers across the city are expressing gratitude through concrete actions—supporting veterans extends beyond parades and ceremonies.
President Trump’s 2017 Medal of Honor ceremony for Captain Rose highlighted acts of valor that define American military service. Trump noted that Rose’s actions “went above and beyond the call of duty,” saving dozens of American lives at extreme personal risk. Today, that same hero leads thousands in the city that pioneered how America honors its veterans.
Join us LIVE as history marches through Birmingham’s streets. From the birthplace of Veterans Day, we honor all who served, remember those who gave everything, and celebrate the unbreaking spirit of American warriors. Captain Mike Rose earned the Medal of Honor in enemy territory—today he leads a grateful nation in honoring service, sacrifice, and the sacred promise we make to our veterans: your service will never be forgotten. God bless our veterans, God bless Birmingham, and God bless America.
