Veteran's Appreciation Day Parade

Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. and the City of Hammond will celebrate its 10th Annual Veteran Appreciation Day parade on Saturday, November 4th at 10 a.m. in Hammond’s 5th and 6th Districts. The parade route travels from Olcott Avenue, down 173rd Street and ends at the Hessville Park Veterans Memorial.

Some of the parade participants include members of local American Legions and VFW posts, musical entertainment from area high school bands, military vehicles, and a flyover by the Lima Lima Flight Team.

This year’s Grand Marshal is Specialist E-4 Jeffery (Jeff) Scott Long. Jeff served in the Army National Guard, 113th Battalion, from July of 1983 to July of 1989. He completed his Basic Training and AIT at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Jeff served 6 years as a Combat Engineer before leaving with an Honorable Discharge. Jeffery Long was hired by the Hammond Police Department on December 18, 1989, and is a graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.   During his time with the Hammond Police Department, he has served in the capacity as a Patrol Sergeant, and Shift Lieutenant; Field Training Officer, K-9 Handler, Hammond Tactical Team Officer, and was assigned to the Internal Affairs Division for five years.  Jeff has attained the ranks of 1st Class Patrolman, 2nd Class Patrolman, Corporal, Sergeant, and Lieutenant, and fulfilled the duties of Captain in the Uniform Division for a total of twelve years. He previously held the title of Assistant Chief for four years and has held the position of Assistant Chief since 2020.  He is a lifelong resident of the City of Hammond.

Join us to honor veterans with a short program to immediately follow the parade at the Hessville Park Veteran Memorial at 173rd Street & Kennedy Avenue.

For more information on participating or sponsoring the parade, contact the Hammond Parks Department at (219) 853-7708.

To enter your organized group into the parade, fill out our online entry form here.