By Donald Talonen
The Annual Salute to Veterans, sponsored by Operation Injured Soldiers, will take place on Lake Michigan on August 31, 2024. Approximately 80 veterans will embark on a fishing trip aboard 40 boats, departing at 5:30 am and returning at 11:30 am.
Following the fishing expedition, at 12:00 pm, the boats will participate in a parade back to port, with the Hooligan Flight Team performing a flyover to kick off the event.
Around 1,500 bystanders are expected to gather to cheer on the veterans as they return down the channel. The fire department will display the flag over the channel using their boom truck, while the U.S. Coast Guard and Sheriff Patrol boats will lead the parade.
Originally set for the weekend of August 16, the date for this special event has been amended to August 31 due to inclement boating conditions.
The Salute to Veterans Boat Parade: A Rescheduled Celebration of Honor
The Salute to Veterans Boat Parade, an event that holds a special place in the hearts of the South Haven community and its veterans, has been rescheduled to August 31, 2024. This change comes as a reminder of the flexibility and resilience that are as much a part of military service as they are of honoring those who have served.
The parade has been a beacon of tribute, celebrating the bravery and sacrifice of disabled veterans from around the county. The event organizer, Bruce Thatcher, has expressed the growth and reach of the event, which now welcomes veterans from across the state and even from other states like Florida and Connecticut.
The rescheduled parade promises to continue its tradition of honoring veterans with a fishing event, a parade along the Black River, and performances by the South Haven High School Band. The American Legion Honor Guard’s 21-gun salute and a special flyover, including the poignant missing man formation, are set to be the highlights of the day.
The community’s anticipation for the event is palpable, as it not only serves as a day of remembrance and respect but also as a day of community cohesion and shared pride. The parade is more than just a procession of boats; it is a floating tapestry of stories, heroism, and the undying spirit of service.
For those in the South Haven area looking to participate or spectate, the parade will commence at 12 pm on the Black River. It’s an opportunity for the community to come together, to stand in solidarity with those who have given so much for the country, and to simply say, “Thank you.”
As we approach the new date, let us mark our calendars and prepare to show our gratitude. The Salute to Veterans Boat Parade is not just an event; it’s a testament to the enduring respect and appreciation we hold for our veterans. It’s a day to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and the price paid for them—a price known all too well by the brave men and women we salute.
For real-time updates and advisories on the event, residents and visitors can sign up for text alerts from the city’s Public Works Department using NIXLE by texting “SHDPW” to 888777. This service will ensure that everyone interested in the parade is informed and ready to honor our veterans in this rescheduled celebration of their service.
