PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland’s long-standing Veteran’s Day Parade will not take place in 2025 after organizers announced that the event was canceled because of a lack of funding.
The parade, which had been scheduled for November 11 in Northeast Portland, has been a cherished community tradition for more than five decades. It usually runs along NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to NE Emerson and N Beech Street, honoring veterans from all branches of the U.S. military.
In a statement on their website, organizers said, “We regret to announce that the 2025 Veteran’s Day Parade has been canceled. The Planning Team would like to thank all who have supported the parade in the past, and we will count on your support next year for 2026.”
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The Portland parade first began in 1974 and has served as a way for residents to show appreciation for those who have served in the armed forces. It was briefly paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, but returned afterward with strong community enthusiasm.
Napoleon Hodgers, who leads the Portland chapter of the National Association for Black Veterans, explained that organizers struggled to find sponsors this year. He said the event typically costs around $20,000 to host, covering permits, security, and logistics.
Hodgers emphasized that the cancellation had nothing to do with political tensions or protests in the city. Instead, he pointed to the uncertain business climate in Portland, which has made potential donors hesitant to commit funds.
Despite the setback, organizers remain hopeful about the parade’s return. “We will return with a stronger, renewed focus to bring this important event that unites our community back to Portland,” they said. “We sincerely appreciate all the support and look forward to celebrating our proud shared heritage next year and beyond.”
While Portland won’t hold its own parade this year, other Veteran’s Day celebrations will continue across Oregon, including a major event at the Fort Vancouver Historical Site and another in Albany, which is promoted as the “biggest parade in the West.”
For now, Portland veterans and residents are encouraged to attend these regional parades or take part in smaller, local observances to honor the service and sacrifice of veterans until the city’s parade returns in 2026.
