The Dover Veterans Day Parade steps off Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11 a.m., bringing a parade, a Veterans Festival and a full community day to downtown Dover. Retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major Rodney Little and retired U.S. Army Colonel Dr. Debbie Harrington joined hosts Ivan Thomas and Vincenza Carrieri-Russo on Good Morning Delaware to share the route, the festival plans and why this celebration honors veterans and their families.
Dover Veterans Day Parade at a Glance
| Date | Saturday, November 7, 2026 |
| Step-off | 11 a.m. |
| Route | Starts at Jerusalem Way, follows Loockerman Street and ends at Legislative Hall |
| Stage | In front of Legislative Hall |
| Veterans Festival | Legislative Mall, across the street from Legislative Hall |
| Cost | Free and open to the public |
| Weather | Rain or shine |
| Hosts | National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS) and the City of Dover |
| Website | doverveteransparade.org |
5 Essential Things to Know About the Dover Veterans Day Parade
1. The Parade Steps Off at 11 a.m. on November 7
Harrington said the Dover Veterans Day Parade begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, four days before Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11. Organizers are inviting everyone to take part, and the event will be held rain or shine.
2. The Route Follows Loockerman Street to Legislative Hall
The parade starts at Jerusalem Way, travels along Loockerman Street and finishes in front of Legislative Hall, where the stage will be set up. The official site lists full route and staging details as coming soon, so check doverveteransparade.org before you head downtown.
3. A Veterans Festival Follows on the Legislative Mall
The day does not end with the parade. Visitors can walk across the street from Legislative Hall to the mall, where the vendors will be set up. Harrington said the festival will offer resources for veterans, food vendors and activities for the community, with veteran service organizations, community groups and local businesses taking part.
4. Military Families Are Being Honored, Too
Harrington said families make a tremendous sacrifice but are often left out when people talk about military service. This year, organizers are recognizing veterans, military members and their families together. The guests put Delaware’s veteran population at about 75,000, and that number grows quickly once families are included.
5. Military Leaders Are Expected to Attend
Harrington said veterans and active military will turn out, along with Gen. James Benson, adjutant general of the Delaware National Guard. She described the goal simply: give the community, veterans and the military a chance to connect.
Who Is Behind the Dover Veterans Day Parade?
Little is commander of Delaware Chapter 94 of the National Association for Black Veterans, which Harrington said is hosting the parade and festival with the City of Dover. She said the organization does great work in the community and helps make sure Black veterans get the resources they deserve.
Harrington is co-chairing the effort with Joe Griffies, a Vietnam veteran and radio host. Little also thanked Delaware Secretary of Veterans Affairs Karen Berry, Frances Perry of Janie’s Hands Transitional Home and the team behind the Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade, which takes place the next day. He said this is the team’s first time putting the event together, and that it is their way of giving back.
Why Service Continues After the Uniform Comes Off
Both guests know that commitment firsthand. Harrington went to college, came through ROTC and served 25 years, rising from second lieutenant to colonel. Little enlisted at 17, served about 33 years across active duty and the reserves, and rose from radio operator to sergeant major, the Army’s top enlisted rank, before retiring in 2011.
Little said the service continues long after veterans take off the uniform. He pointed to food shortages, homelessness and suicide as challenges affecting veterans and the people who love them.
“If we have an unhealthy veteran, we have an unhealthy family.”
Retired Sgt. Maj. Rodney Little on Good Morning Delaware
The guests also praised the Wilmington VA and Philadelphia VA. Harrington said that when the VA does not have a service, or the wait is long, it can connect veterans with care in the community.
Need support now? Veterans and their loved ones can reach the Veterans Crisis Line at any time. Dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255.
How to Support the Dover Veterans Day Parade
You do not have to march to make a difference. Here are five ways to get involved:
- Come out and cheer. The parade and festival are free and open to the public.
- March or host a table. Organizations and individuals can register through the official parade website. Table reservations are required, and line-up details go to registered participants.
- Check the application fee. A $300 fee applies to for-profit companies and veteran-owned small businesses that are not sponsors. It is waived for sponsors, veteran service organizations, nonprofits, community organizations and academic institutions.
- Ask the committee. Send questions or partnership ideas to info@doverveteransparade.org.
- Honor a veteran. Name the veteran you want to recognize in the comments on the DETV interview on YouTube.
Dover Veterans Day Parade FAQ
When is the Dover Veterans Day Parade?
The parade is Saturday, November 7, 2026, with an 11 a.m. step-off in downtown Dover.
Where does the parade start and end?
It starts at Jerusalem Way, follows Loockerman Street and ends in front of Legislative Hall.
Is the Dover Veterans Day Parade free?
Yes. The parade and Veterans Festival are free and open to the public.
What happens if it rains?
The event will be held rain or shine.
Who can take part in the parade?
Veterans, military families, community groups, schools, nonprofits and businesses are all welcome. Register through the official website to march or host a festival table.
More Good Morning Delaware on DETV
Catch the rest of this week’s show in our Good Morning Delaware Live recap, read the Delaware Election Day guide or browse more Delaware community stories.
