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On the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month in 1918, the Armistice that ended World War I – then known as the Great War – came into effect. One year later, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as a date of commemoration of the Armistice. Congress and the states got on board and in 1938 it was made permanent and official with an act of Congress. Sixteen years later, after World War II and the Korean War, President Eisenhower worked with Congress to change the word “Armistice” in the Act of 1938 to the word “Veterans” and 1954 saw the first celebration of the holiday dedicated to the honoring veterans of all wars.

“In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all Veterans, all Veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose,” said Eisenhower.

This year, for the first time in nearly 20 years, the Veterans Day Parade put on by the Georgia Veterans Day Association (GVDA) will be returning to the state capital and it’s best substitute for the “Canyon of Heroes,” Peachtree Street. The iconic Atlanta street is home to the Dragon Con parade and Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, among others, and the GVDA is excited to be bringing such an important event to a center for civic activity in the state.

Kevin Miller is a veteran of the 82^nd Airborne Division and is in his 15^th year as the President and Chairman of GVDA. He has been involved with GVDA for 23 years and remembers the parade being in Midtown before moving to Downtown and then Truist Park.

“It’s the most beautiful setting you can have to host a parade,” Miller said of Midtown’s tall buildings and tree-lined sidewalks. “People know this familiar parade route. And everyone we have met with in Midtown has been fully supportive and welcoming. The reception has been great.”

The parade will begin Saturday appropriately at 11 a.m. and will run from 15^th Street south to 5^th Street. The GVDA selects one group of Veterans to pay special honors each year and this year is the 70^th anniversary of the Armistice of the Korean War. A group of four Korean War veterans will be serving as Grand Marshalls for this year’s parade.

“For them to witness this parade and the people coming out to show their support for them, it’s going to be amazing,” said Miller.

Besides veterans and military groups, the parade will also feature Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Korean-American Associations, Veteran service organizations and some 45 ROTC and JROTC units from all across Georgia. Also, there will be a veterans expo at Peachtree and 15^th streets from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with more than 25 booths and exhibits about the armed forces, veteran organizations and more. There will also be a Stryker and Joint Light Tactical Vehicle on hand where parade goers can get an up-close look.

“I consider it an honor to recognize our veterans and their service. And I can’t wait for all of Atlanta to be there with us,” said Miller.