Miami Beach's 18th annual Veterans Day parade will march down Ocean Drive on Wednesday, Nov. 11, starting at 11:11 a.m.

The city is partnering with Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3559 for the parade and celebration, according to a city press release issued Oct. 14. The route runs along Ocean Drive from 5th Street to 15th Street and will feature veteran and military groups, marching bands, musical and dance performances, local businesses and community organizations.

The city calls it the largest parade of the day in South Florida. Participation has grown from about 50 people to more than 1,000 over the years.

"Veterans Day holds profound meaning in Miami Beach. During World War II, our city was one of the nation's largest training centers for American service members," Mayor Steven Meiner said in the press release. "Many returned after the war to raise families, build businesses and help shape the Miami Beach we know today."

The 2026 theme is "Forever Honored." The event is part of the city's America 250 celebration of American independence. The 11:11 a.m. start time marks the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, originally commemorating the armistice that ended World War I.

Lummus Park ceremony

At 12:15 p.m., the celebration moves to Lummus Park for a presentation of colors by the Miami Beach Police and Fire Department Honor Guards, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, a moment of silence, a 21-gun salute, taps and a wreath-laying ceremony.

Representatives of U.S. Southern Command and elected officials are scheduled to speak. Miami Beach Girl Scouts will unveil a restored Fire Department Station #4 Flag Box.

Letters of Gratitude campaign

Before the parade, residents can take part in the inaugural VFW Letters of Gratitude digital campaign. Starting Nov. 2, the public can upload photos of handwritten letters or short videos of thanks at miamibeachfl.gov/america250. The campaign is a partnership among VFW Post 3559, The Betsy Hotel and Badger, a veteran-owned interactive social platform.

A bugle call "Retreat" will sound at sunset Nov. 7 through Nov. 10 at The Betsy Hotel at 1440 Ocean Drive, at Lincoln Road and Pennsylvania Avenue, and at 73rd Street and Ocean Terrace. Submitted letters and videos will be projected onto The Betsy Orb each evening from 6 to 11 p.m.

On parade day, attendees can drop off an unsealed gratitude letter or card for active-duty service members at the Parks and Recreation registration tent at 5th Street and Ocean Drive in Lummus Park from 9 a.m. to noon. Those who do will receive a "Forever Honored" commemorative hat while supplies last. Collected letters will be sent to military bases.

What to know

  • What: 18th annual Veterans Day parade and celebration
  • When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11:11 a.m.
  • Where: Ocean Drive, 5th to 15th Street
  • Lummus Park ceremony: 12:15 p.m.
  • Contact: City of Miami Beach Office of Marketing & Communications, 305-673-7575