Flags, Families, and Gratitude Mark Veterans Day Parade in The Dalles
By Joshuah Albert
The Dalles, Ore., Nov. 11, 2025 — The Dalles turned out Tuesday morning to honor local veterans with a short but spirited Veterans Day parade that rolled down W. 6th Street, featuring community groups, flag displays, and families bundled against the chilly weather.
Floats decorated in red, white, and blue carried both veterans and supporters. Children waved handheld flags while older residents walked the route with signs thanking local service members.
For many in the crowd, the day was personal.
Richard Travis, 88, of The Dalles, said he comes out every year. Travis served 22 years in the Navy and said supporting today’s veterans mattered just as much as recognizing those from earlier generations.
Younger residents echoed that sentiment.
“I’m here to commemorate our veterans and those who are serving currently, and bring a reminder that they need as much love and respect as we can give them,” said 19-year-old Ben Grammer of The Dalles.
Tylor, 25, also from The Dalles, said the parade helps people remember the weight of service. “A lot of people give up their lives. We should respect the ones that come back.”
Families with children lined the route and rode on floats. Tucker, 30, a local veteran, attended with his partner Bre and their son. “It’s nice to get the recognition we don’t get from day to day,” he said as their child waved a small U.S. flag from the trailer.
The parade remained upbeat despite overcast skies, with parade watchers cheering the VFW float, youth groups, and local organizations that turned out to honor veterans of all branches.
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