Mississippi Parade: D’Iberville Honors 250 Years of Service
Organizers in a Gulf Coast town emphasized recognition over celebration for a free public event that rotates among three nearby cities.
By Marina Weber ·
Veterans Day parades are common across the United States, but local organizers in Mississippi framed their November event as a specific act of gratitude rather than mere spectacle. The Gulf Coast Veterans Parade took place in D’Iberville on Saturday, bringing service members and residents together for a procession through the streets.
James Hollingsworth, president of the Gulf Coast Veterans Parade, stated that the event centers on the individuals who served. He noted that veterans have secured 250 years of freedom for the nation. Hollingsworth said, “It’s really about the veterans. They’re the ones that have given us this 250 years of freedom and they really need to be recognized.” He added that the freedoms earned by these service members are now enjoyed by the general public.
Participants expressed personal connections to the military tradition. Air Force Capt. Paige Skinner, a current service member, said she values the ritual of honoring those who served in previous eras. She remarked, “It’s nice to see that we’re always honoring those who came before us, because one day we’re going to be those veterans who are going to want to come and see ourselves honored.” Skinner also observed a shift in public sentiment, contrasting the current reception with the treatment of veterans during the Vietnam era. She said, “Now I really think everybody rallies around us no matter what’s happening.”
Retired U.S. Navy veteran Victoria Christie attended a Veterans Day parade for the first time. She previously observed the holiday by staying home to claim free meal offers from restaurants. Christie described the parade experience as impressive, noting the visible appreciation from the town’s residents. She said, “So to come to a parade, this was awesome. I mean, we got a lot of stuff thrown at us, but it was awesome to see the appreciation this town has for their veterans.”
Local resident RJ Deno attended the event to represent his veteran father. Deno said his father would be proud of the gathering. He addressed the crowd directly, saying, “Thank you, veterans. You’re all the best. And thank you, USA. We love you very much.”
The parade was founded in 1999 and is hosted by a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in Mississippi. The event rotates annually among three cities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast: Biloxi, Gulfport, and D’Iberville. Admission is free for all attendees.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast region has been designated as a regional site by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for Veterans Day observances for 15 consecutive years. This designation supports the local infrastructure for honoring military service members in the area.
