Scouting's Salute to Veterans Parade
Service, Honor, Citizenship
A Timeless Tradition
Scouting’s Salute to Veterans Parade brings Scouts, veterans, civic organizations, and community members together to honor those who served our country.
Pete Whitaker, a Scout leader and high school history teacher from Richmond, established the parade in 1999. Since then, the event has grown into a cherished Green Mountain Council tradition.
Each year, a different Vermont community hosts the parade. As a result, towns across the state can recognize local veterans while sharing Scouting’s commitment to citizenship and service.
Over the years, communities such as Burlington, Windsor, Waterbury, Bennington, Barre, Essex Junction, Northfield, and Richmond have welcomed the event. Although each location offers a different setting, every parade creates the same sense of gratitude, pride, and unity.
Honoring Vermont’s Veterans
Local Scouting volunteers and veterans work together to organize each parade. In addition, community leaders, civic organizations, marching bands, and other groups help create a meaningful tribute.
Scouts of all ages can participate and show their appreciation for the sacrifices veterans and their families have made. At the same time, the event gives young people an opportunity to practice citizenship, respect, and community service.
Furthermore, the parade helps Scouts understand that honoring veterans involves more than attending a ceremony. It also means listening to their stories, recognizing their service, and carrying their values forward.
Therefore, Green Mountain Council invites Scouts, veterans, bands, civic organizations, and community members to join this important tradition.
Together, we can march in unity, celebrate Vermont’s veterans, and strengthen the values of service and respect that guide Scouting.
Host a Future Parade
Would your community like to host a future Scouting’s Salute to Veterans Parade?
Hosting the event gives your town an opportunity to honor local veterans, welcome Scouts from across Vermont, and bring community organizations together. In addition, the parade can strengthen relationships among veterans’ groups, municipal leaders, schools, businesses, and Scouting units.
To submit a proposal, your local organizing committee should provide
- Town Approval (Could be a simple email showing support)
- Simple map of planned parade route
- The endorsement of a Local Veterans Club or Organization (Optional but helpful)
- Point of Contact for organizing committee
Upcoming Events
Support the Parade
Green Mountain Council relies on donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners to make the parade possible.
For example, donations help provide meals and other resources needed to create a first-class tribute. Every contribution helps the Council deliver a welcoming and memorable experience for Vermont’s veterans.
Thank You to Our Partners
Green Mountain Council appreciates the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs for its longtime support of the parade.
In addition, veterans’ organizations, municipalities, volunteers, donors, and local partners throughout Vermont help sustain this tradition. Because of their support, Scouts and communities can continue honoring those who served.
Our partners include:
Past Host Communities
Since 1999, communities throughout Vermont have welcomed Scouting’s Salute to Veterans Parade. Each host town has contributed its own volunteers, local traditions, and community spirit.
Review the list below to explore the communities that have helped carry this statewide tradition forward.
| Year | Host Town |
| 2025 | Morrisville |
| 2024 | Brandon |
| 2023 | St. Johnsbury |
| 2022 | Barre |
| 2021 | Vergennes |
| 2018 | Barre |
| 2017 | Morrisville |
| 2016 | Hartford |
| 2015 | Ludlow |
| 2014 | Bristol |
| 2013 | Morrisville |
| 2014 | Milton |
| 2015 | Springfield |
| 2016 | St. Albans |
| 2017 | Barre |
| 2018 | Montpelier |
| 2019 | Bennington |
| 2020 | St. Johnsbury |
| 2021 | Vergennes |
| 2022 | Burlington |
| 2023 | Windsor |
| 2024 | Waterbury |
| 2025 | Essex Junction |
| 2026 | Northfield |
| 1999 | Richmond |
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