Plans kick into high gear for 2021 Veterans parade in Biloxi

The first board meeting of the year kicked off in May in Biloxi for the Gulf Coast Veterans Parade. Organizers say advance planning is necessary to ensure a successful parade.

This year, the event moves back to Biloxi after holding a parade in D’Iberville in 2019. “Just like everyone else, in 2020 we had to dramatically change plans and adapt to a pandemic environment,” said Jerry Taranto, vice president.

Last year’s plans included a “Drive Thru and Wave” event that rolled through the Armed Forces Retirement Home and Biloxi Veterans Administration. Residents at each property were staged outside to safely receive waves and cheers from family members and view the procession of antique cars and military vehicles.

The Gulf Coast Veterans Parade was founded in 2000, and is the largest of its kind in South Mississippi. Every year in November the parade is held in Gulfport, Biloxi or D’Iberville, with each city taking a turn hosting the event on a rotational basis.
For 12 consecutive years the Department of Veterans Affairs has selected the Gulf Coast Veterans Parade as a “Regional Site” location.