Downtown Lawrence is preparing for events to honor veterans across Douglas County around Veterans Day, featuring a community parade, an aircraft flyover, and military recognition programs. The annual downtown parade, organized by the Lawrence Veterans Day Parade Association, is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2025, moving north from South Park along Massachusetts Street.
Essential Facts for the Douglas County Commemorations
- The main downtown parade kicks off at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at South Park, 1141 Massachusetts St., traveling north to Seventh Street with a tentatively scheduled aircraft flyover.
- Shelly Kortkamp, LMH Health president and CEO and a U.S. Air Force officer from 2002 to 2008, will serve as the Grand Marshal.
- Veterans Day events run before and after Wednesday, Nov. 11, including a University of Kansas Athletics Salute to Service football game, a free breakfast at Hy-Vee, a KU ROTC colors ceremony, and the KU Vets Day 5K.
Shelly Kortkamp Leads Procession as Grand Marshal
Shelly Kortkamp steps into the role of Grand Marshal for the procession. Organizers from the Lawrence Veterans Day Parade Association have tentatively scheduled an aircraft flyover to accompany the march up Massachusetts Street, which begins at South Park and concludes near Seventh Street.
Salute to Service and Campus Ceremonies
University of Kansas Athletics initiates the local roster of events at 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2025, during the Salute to Service football game against the University of Central Florida. Ahead of kickoff, Black Hawk helicopters will conduct a flyover above the KU football stadium. Throughout the week, community members can also submit profiles and photos of Kansas veterans to the Dole Institute of Politics virtual memory wall for digital display alongside historical service members.
Hy Vee Hosts Free Breakfast for Military Personnel
On Veterans Day itself, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2025, Hy-Vee at 3504 Clinton Parkway hosts a free dine-in breakfast for retired and active-duty military personnel running from 6 to 10 a.m. Eligible individuals can additionally secure a 15% discount on groceries in-store or online using the code VETS2026. Later that afternoon at 4:30 p.m., KU ROTC hosts a traditional colors ceremony featuring guest speakers, a ceremonial wreath presentation, and the lowering of the national flag at sunset in front of Strong Hall, 1450 Jayhawk Blvd.
The KU Vets Day 5K and Anniversary Memorial
The commemorative schedule concludes on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2025, with the KU Vets Day 5K taking place from 9 a.m. to noon. The race commemorates the 40th anniversary of the dedication of KU’s Vietnam War Memorial while raising awareness for military-affiliated individuals on campus and in the wider community. Registration costs $40, and the event begins and ends at the Jayhawk Welcome Center, 1266 Oread Ave., welcoming participants of all athletic abilities.
