Johnston, IA – The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, in partnership with the Iowa National Guard, has announced the Veterans Parade at the Iowa State Fair will be held on Monday, August 11, at 11:00 AM, along East Grand Avenue in front of the Administration Building.

This year’s parade holds special significance as the Department and Guard commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration, honoring Iowa’s Vietnam War Veterans as Grand Marshals. The recognition serves as a meaningful tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and enduring camaraderie of these Veterans who served during one of our nation’s most turbulent eras.

Major General Stephen Osborn, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, says “We are proud to honor our Vietnam Veterans with the recognition they so greatly deserve. Their service and resilience helped shape the future of our military, our state, and our nation.”

Distinguished guests expected to attend the ceremony and parade include:
• Governor Kim Reynolds
• Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer
• Major General Stephen Osborn, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard
• Major General Edward J. Chrystal, Director, The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration
• Commander Greg Coy, Commanding Officer of the USS IOWA (SSN 797)
• Todd Jacobus, Commandant, Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs

Todd Jacobus, Commandant of the Iowa Dept. of Veterans Affair, says “We’re grateful to the Iowa State Fair Board for providing a platform to celebrate Iowa Veterans from every corner of our great state. This parade is more than a moment of recognition—it’s a salute to the generations of service members who have defended our freedoms.”

Veterans from all branches and eras will be represented in the parade, and members of the public are encouraged to line the route in appreciation of their service.