Fri Oct 11 19:00:00 IST 2024: ## Raleigh Veterans Day Parade Canceled for Second Year in a Row

RALEIGH, NC – For the second consecutive year, the Veterans Day Parade in Raleigh has been canceled. Organizers cited new, stricter parade guidelines implemented by the city following the tragic accident at the 2022 Raleigh Christmas Parade.

The city has stated that organizers were involved in the guideline-setting process earlier this year and participated in multiple meetings. However, organizers felt the new regulations were too burdensome to navigate.

“We’ve always had a parade, we’ve always had a ceremony for veterans,” said Ronnie Johnson, a member of the VFW Post 10225 in Garner. “We’ve got to go on, we just can’t let one thing stop us from doing what we used to do.”

A city spokesperson emphasized their commitment to community safety and expressed their understanding of the organizers’ decision.

Veterans expressed disappointment with the cancellation, particularly given the strong military presence in the area. “There was a vehicle accident that involved a lot of people,” said Matt Cross, an Air Force veteran. “Yes, what happened two years ago is a tragedy, but I don’t think they should cancel everything because of one individual’s actions.”

Despite the parade’s cancellation, a ceremony and 21-gun salute will take place on the north side of the State Capitol grounds. Organizers remain hopeful that the parade will return in 2025.

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