There aren’t many things that will stop the party on Nashville’s Lower Broadway, but consider the 11th month, 11th day at 11th hour.
“It’s the only time seeing this many blue lights is really good news, right?” joked Dawn Scott.
The Nashville Veterans Day Parade is one of those rare days where you’ll actually find locals on Nashville’s party street. Scott has been coming since she was old enough to march in the parade herself.
“I work in downtown, just around the corner,” she said. “I’m not sure of any towns that do it straight through the heart of downtown anymore.”
Dickson County resident Paul Barrick has made attending the parade a yearly tradition with his daughter.
“I was a submarine sailor in the Navy,” said Barrick. “Each year, I see more and more people gathering here.”
It’s the same for young Riley Holford, who usually attends with her mom. On this day in particular, she’s thinking of her dad who serves in the Army.
“Even though he helps other people, he still cares for me and my mom,” said Holford. “[Veterans] help us and support us, and they save us through all the tough times.”