Community and service members unite for the 2025 Abilene Freedom Parade

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – As Veterans Day approaches, the city of Abilene came together on Saturday to honor those who have served in the United States military. The annual Abilene Veterans Freedom Parade, organized by the Veterans Freedom Parade Committee, featured a colorful lineup of classic cars, ROTC programs, marching bands, veteran organizations, and community groups from across the Big Country.

Retired Colonel Michael “Bob” Starr of the United States Air Force served as this year’s grand marshal, leading the parade through downtown Abilene.

Among the veterans in attendance were Alan Nicholas, a U.S. Air Force veteran, and Brandon Burkhead, an Army veteran. Burkhead said attending the parade is a meaningful experience.

“It’s a good experience, it’s just, it’s great to be around people who did serve and are still here today. So I’m just very grateful to be here,” Burkhead said.

Nicholas added, “Well, I’m a car guy, so I come out. I support the veterans and the car shows, and I am a veteran. It was nice to visit with some folks I haven’t seen in a long time, and it’s great that the community puts this on for us.”

Organizers said they hope the event inspires the community to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of local veterans, not just on Veterans Day but throughout the year.

Veterans Day is observed on Tuesday, November 11, and celebrations honoring veterans will continue across the Big Country throughout the weekend.