Roseburg Celebrates 71st Annual Veterans Day Parade in Downtown
Roseburg marked its 71st Annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade on November 11, continuing a tradition dating back to 1955. This year's event recognized America's 250th anniversary and honored generations of military veterans.
ROSEBURG, Ore. - Downtown Roseburg was once again the setting for one of Douglas County's longest-running traditions Wednesday, November 11, as the community marked the 71st Annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade.
The annual event, which began at 11 a.m., brought the community together to recognize the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
This year's parade carried the theme "America's 250: 1776-2026," recognizing the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and connecting the nation's history with the generations of Americans who have served in its military.
A Tradition Dating Back to 1955
The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade has been a Roseburg tradition since 1955, growing into one of the region's most recognized annual events honoring military veterans.
The parade followed its traditional route through downtown, traveling along Jackson Street before turning onto Southeast Lane Street and Southeast Main Street, eventually concluding near the Douglas County Courthouse on Southeast Douglas Avenue.
Organized by the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee, the event provides an opportunity for residents to recognize veterans from across Douglas County and beyond.
The parade has a particularly notable place in Oregon's history. According to Douglas County, Roseburg was once one of only two West Coast locations, alongside San Francisco, officially designated by the President's National Veterans Day Observance Committee.
Honoring Veterans and Military Families
The parade was part of a broader month of recognition for local veterans and their families.
During the November 9 Roseburg City Council meeting, Mayor Larry Rich proclaimed November 2026 as Veterans and Military Families Appreciation Month.
The proclamation was presented to Eric Bagwell, chair of the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee, recognizing the service of veterans, active-duty military personnel and the families who support them.
Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11, marking the anniversary of the armistice that ended fighting in World War I in 1918. Originally known as Armistice Day, the federal holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to recognize American veterans of all wars.
Now in its 71st year, the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade continues to provide a place for the community to recognize that service and carry forward a tradition that has been part of Roseburg for generations.
F-15 Fighter Jets Fly Over Downtown Roseburg
One of the highlights of this year's Veterans Day celebration came from overhead as F-15 fighter jets from the Oregon Air National Guard's 142nd Wing conducted a flyover in honor of veterans.
The flyover was part of a statewide Veterans Day tribute, with the 142nd Wing conducting flights over several Oregon communities, including Roseburg, Hillsboro, Salem, Albany, Bend, Pendleton and The Dalles.
Based out of Portland Air National Guard Base, the 142nd Wing organized the flyovers to recognize the service and sacrifices of military veterans and their families.
The Roseburg Receiver Captures the Celebration
The Roseburg Receiver was on hand for Wednesday's celebration, capturing more than 400 photographs of the Veterans Day parade and video footage of the F-15 fighter jet flyover.
The collection offers a look at this year's event, preserving moments from a community tradition that has continued for more than seven decades.
Readers can explore the photo gallery and watch footage of the flyover as part of The Roseburg Receiver's coverage of the 2026 Veterans Day Parade.
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