Fort Smith Gears Up for 13th Annual Regional Veterans Day Parade at Chaffee Crossing

Mark your calendar: The 13th Annual Regional Veterans Day Parade is set for Saturday, November 8, 2025, with the honor ceremony beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the parade to follow at noon at the historic Chaffee Crossing site.

The event is free and open to the public.

 

This annual gathering is described by its organizers as “Arkansas’ largest Veterans Day celebration”, honoring veterans from all branches of the military and conflicts.

Attendees can expect a full-scale march past featuring various veteran organizations, military units, civic groups and marching bands.

 

Family-friendly and patriotic, the event offers an impactful way to say “thank you” to those who’ve served.

 

What to Expect

 

• Ceremony at 10 a.m. — with formal recognitions, veteran tributes and community remarks.

• Parade at 12 p.m. — units representing national guard, ROTC, local veteran chapters, floats and more.

• Free admission. Attendees are encouraged to bring flags and wear red-white-and-blue.

• Location at Chaffee Crossing reflects Fort Smith’s historical role as a major training site and connects past and present service.

 

Why It Matters

 

Veterans Day not only honours service members but also strengthens community bonds across the River Valley. This parade, one of the largest of its kind in Arkansas, stands as a visible public commitment of gratitude and respect to the men and women who served our country.

 

By hosting this celebration at the historic Fort Smith training ground now known as Chaffee Crossing, the community ties the region’s military heritage with present-day recognition of service.

 

How You Can Participate

 

• Arrive early for the ceremony; seats or prime viewing spots may fill fast.

• Show your patriotism by waving a flag or wearing patriotic colors.

• Families and children are welcome — the event is a meaningful way to teach young ones about service and civic pride.

• Businesses and civic groups can participate, sponsor or volunteer — contact the parade organizers for more details.

• Parking and access: Use Terry Street in Fort Smith; allow extra time for arrival.

 

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📍 Event Details

What: 13th Annual Regional Veterans Day Parade
When: Saturday, November 8, 2025 — Ceremony 10:00 a.m., Parade 12:00 p.m.
Where: 7313 Terry Street, Chaffee Crossing Historic District, Fort Smith, AR 72916
Cost: Free / Open to public