Veterans Day Parade rolls through downtown Fayetteville

This year's parade will recognize Afghanistan war veterans, past, present and future. Gen. Dan K. McNeill and CSM Steven R. England, both among the first to go into Afghanistan, will serve as grand marshals.

Lt. Gen. Joseph Anderson and CSM Isaia Vimoto, both currently serving in Afghanistan, are honorary parade chairs. Look for a special message from them during the WRAL-TV live broadcast of the parade.

More than 90 units are expected to participate in the parade, including veterans’ organizations, local bands, JROTC programs and military equipment.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the Airborne Special Operations Museum on Hay Street and ends at Liberty Point on Person Street.

WRAL-TV and UNC-EX will broadcast the event live with anchors Michelle Marsh and Lynda Loveland and Fayetteville reporter Gilbert Baez hosting from historic downtown Fayetteville. Coverage will also include military commentary from Fort Bragg Public Affairs Officer Tom McCollum.

WRAL.com will also be streaming the parade live.

This is the third year WRAL has partnered with the Cumberland County Veterans Council and the City of Fayetteville on the parade.

Everyone is invited to tweet along with the WRAL production team using #WRALVetParade. Those attending the parade should share their photos and experiences of the parade on Twitter.

Following the parade, there will be a ceremony at the North Carolina Veterans Park starting at 12:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Raleigh is also hosting its annual Veterans Day parade on Saturday. It begins at 9:30 a.m. on Salisbury Street and wraps around to Fayetteville Street. After the parade, the Historic Oakwood Second Line Band and the Chesterbrook Academy Children's Choir will provide entertainment. The morning of remembrance ends with a special ceremony at 11 a.m.