Douglas County government will again use the month of November to salute the community’s active military, reserves, and veterans.

Douglas County annually hosts what is believed to be the only night and lighted Veterans Day Parade in the nation, and will again honor veterans, active military and reserves this year on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, with the 12th annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade.

Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day to recognize the date that the “Great War,” “The War to End All Wars” - World War I - ended. The time of the armistice - the agreed-upon end of the fighting between the Allies and Germany - was 11 a.m. on November 11: the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Unfortunately, World War I was not the only war that had to be fought to preserve freedom. World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, Grenada, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq - just to name a few - have been, and are continuing to be, fought to preserve democracy, a county spokesperson said.

To honor and recognize the service of veterans, active military and reserves, Douglas County residents are asked to line the parade route on Wednesday evening, November 11, as these brave men and women go by.

The parade steps off at 7 p.m. from the front parking lots of Douglas County High School, and goes north on Campbellton Street past the post office to Church Street, then west on Church Street through the historic downtown district to Bowden Street, south on Bowden Street to Upshaw, east on Upshaw, then south on Price, Woodrow and Campbellton back to the high school. The parade route is approximately one mile long, and has a police escort for safety.

All units in the parade are required to salute military, veterans, and/or the American Flag. Self-promotion is not allowed. The parade follows lighted streets for safety, but the lighting of the parade units adds to the celebration.

The parade will be led by active military and reserves from the Douglasville Armory, followed by representatives from the Armed Forces, and the JROTC units from high schools in Douglas County. Motorized units from the American Legion, AmVets, and Vietnam Veterans of America will follow, and afterwards, the salute from the Public.

This year, the parade will be led by the four garden clubs of Douglas County as they unite to salute the soldiers who have fallen in the line of duty with a floral tribute, and salute our active military, reserves and veterans. Garden club members will carry the parade’s title banner.

It costs nothing to enter the parade, and clubs, churches, businesses, Scout troops, and individuals are encouraged to show their patriotism by being in the parade. Line-up begins at 6 p.m. in the parking lots in front of the Douglas County High School. Registration information is available at 770-920-7593.

In addition to the parade, Douglas County salutes the military service of residents throughout the month of November.

“The Battle of Midway,” the Academy Award-winning documentary filmed during the actual World War II battle by John Ford, will be shown on dctv23 on Friday night, November 13, at 7 p.m. The movie will also be simulcast on www.CelebrateDouglasCounty.com.

“The 100 Greatest Military Photographs” will air on a continuous basis on Veterans Day (November 11) on dctv23 backed by patriotic music. The 100 Greatest Military Photographs are a compilation by the United States Air Force Medical Service Corps. The photographs and music will be simulcast on www.CelebrateDouglasCounty.com.

Douglas County churches have been encouraged to recognize veterans, active military and reserves during their services on Sunday, November 8.

Douglas County Commission Chairman Tom Worthan, a former member of the Army National Guard in the Douglasville Armory, stated that “in this time of war against terrorism, it is more important than ever that we support and honor our military and veterans and thank them for their service. Regardless of how one feels about the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, we should show our support for the brave men and women who place their lives in harm’s way to defeat terrorism and defend freedom. I am proud that Douglas County takes the lead in saluting these heroes in our community, and I encourage all our residents to join with us in and along the parade route to remember the service and sacrifice that keeps us free.”