Stuart Fl (October 3, 2006) - On Veterans Day, November 11, 2006 Stuart will pay special tribute to America's 25 million living military veterans, thanking them for sacrificing their personal aspirations and safety to protect the freedoms for all Americans at home and abroad at the annual Veterans Day parade along East Ocean Blvd, Saturday November 11, 2006 beginning at 10 a.m.

Known to Americans for the past 52 years as Veterans Day, November 11 th the international day of remembrance originated as 'Armistice Day' when the Germans signed the Armistice agreement ending the hostilities of World War I in 1918. First proclaimed by Congress in 1926, Armistice Day became "Veterans Day" in 1954 as a result of legislation signed by President Eisenhower to honor all those veterans living today who served the nation in wars or conflicts.

In a message dated August 7 th this year from President George Bush to schools across the nation, he urges everyone to pay tribute to America's veterans by participating in patriotic activities, displaying our national flag and reaching out to veterans in our community. The Stuart Veterans Day Parade is the perfect outlet for just such a respectful and patriotic expression. Parade organizers agree with the President on this and also urge everyone to come out or join in the Veterans Day Parade tradition.

Although it is a federal and state holiday, it is formally observed in most parts of the United States only by government offices and banks. Most schools and almost all businesses stay open on regular schedules. As a result, most public transit systems are on regular schedules as well even though they are usually run by the local government. Most businesses state the holiday's proximity to Thanksgiving (when many corporations close for a four-day weekend) as the main reason for staying open on Veteran's Day; but most schools and businesses also stay open on Columbus Day , a full month earlier. Hopefully with Veterans Day on a Saturday this year, attendance from community minded organizations, clubs, schools, church groups, businesses and individuals will find the time to participate.

Parade will start from the Lyric Theatre (59 Flagler Ave., in historic downtown Stuart) at 10 a.m. and end at Memorial Park (East Ocean Blvd, Stuart) at 11 a.m. with a traditional ceremony hosted by the Veterans Council of Martin County following the parade. Prizes will be given for Best Band, Best Float, Most Patriotic, Best Marching Unit, and Most Enthusiastic. For spectators the best viewing is between Confusion Corner and the Memorial. Marchers, military vehicles, bands, vintage cars, and community service organizations will all participate in the parade making it a fitting tribute.

For more about the Veterans Day Parade or learn how you can be a part of the festivities contact:

John Haddox at the MartinCounty Veterans Service Office at 772-288-5448 or parade sponsor Michael Roberts of Special Forces at 772-215-3470.