The National Veterans Parade is a Powerful Marching Performance

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Veterans Day is an opportunity for all of us to honor the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. military. And one of the best ways to express our gratitude is through music! The National Veterans Parade and Festival is a powerful marching performance overflowing with pride and patriotism – and your band is invited to take part!

The National Veterans Parade

Marching bands can honor our nation’s heroes while proudly displaying their skills in the National Veterans Parade on November 9, 2025.

Veterans’ organizations, floats, specialty vehicles, and the thrilling tattoo of marching bands add to the excitement as you pass through thousands of cheering spectators on Constitution Avenue.

Veterans Day Parade

It’s an inspiring performance event (and teaching moment!) as young people pay tribute to those who have served our nation with honor.

National Veterans Field Show on the National Mall

There’s also an optional opportunity for bands to showcase their recently completed field shows as part of the National Veterans Field Show on the Mall.

Marching bands can present a 10-minute field show or standing performance at this iconic DC spot. You’ll thrill big crowds and big-name sponsors with pageantry and skill. It’s a perfect addition to this National Veterans Parade Festival weekend!

Tentative Schedule of Events

Parade Perks

All participating festival bands get lots of official festival merch like shirts, hats, pins, etc. They also receive video of both the parade and festival performances.

Application Deadline and Review

The deadline to apply falls around May 1st each year. The Veterans Day National Committee will review and notify applicants of their status in July.

Plan with a Pro Partner

Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning transformative student performance travel for more than 30 years. Online registration and payments, convenient crowdfunding options, and an expert team that’s with you every step of the way make your planning simple and efficient.

They’ll work with you to plan an exceptional National Veterans Parade and Festival experience from start to finish!

Start Planning Your National Veterans Parade Performance with a Free Quote

Other Veterans Day Activities in DC

Veterans Day in Washington DC is an especially meaningful time to explore our nation’s capital.

Experience a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier or at other sites like the Navy Memorial. Listen to the poignant sound of bells and bugles at the World War I Memorial.

Honor the Japanese American and women who served in WWII at their respective memorials and attend commemorations for the brave men and women who served in Korea and Vietnam. Then, spend time at the National Museum of the American Indian. Here you’ll get a fresh perspective on the legacy of Native American military members.

And don’t forget to stop at George Washington’s Mount Vernon! Veterans Day events include a floral tribute to the military, a Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution ceremony, and music- and history-focused activities like a Q&A with Mount Vernon’s resident fifer.

Be sure to include time to enjoy a concert like the US Navy Band at the MLK Library or US Marine Chamber Orchestra at the National Cathedral.

There are countless ways to make Veterans Day a truly inspirational learning experience for your students!