Colonel John Hoffman, who served as a U..S. Army helicopter pilot in south Vietnam, following the withdrawal of the vast majority of American troops from the region in the final days of the war, will lead this year’s parade as the grand marshal. The retired officer authored “Saigon Guns: A True Story of Aerial Combat in the Fall of 1972” in 2023. The award-winning book, available on major distributors, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Audible, offers a first-hand account of the “untold story of heroism, dedication and refusal to yield the battlefield despite being largely considered by U.S. political leaders as ‘expendable,’” according to its website.

The procession will feature veterans from across the region and groups, including JROTC programs from local schools, Veterans of Foreign War, American Legion, Combat Motorcycle Club, Paws and Effect and Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops. Dignitaries, military vehicles and bag pipes will also be included in the event.

The ceremony can be viewed from the sidewalks along East and West State Street.