News Summary
Chattanooga, Tennessee, is gearing up for the 2025 Armed Forces Parade and Luncheon on May 2, honoring the 76th year of this celebrated event. The parade starts at Market Street and M.L. King Boulevard and concludes with a luncheon featuring keynote speaker General B. Chance Saltzman, highlighting the U.S. Space Force. Local residents are invited to join the celebration, which includes street closures and viewing stands along the route. This year’s event emphasizes the importance of military contributions and community unity.
Chattanooga, Tennessee is preparing to host the much-anticipated 2025 Armed Forces Parade and Luncheon this Friday, May 2, beginning at 10:30 a.m. This celebratory event marks the 76th year of the parade, making it the longest continuously running event of its kind in the United States.
The parade will kick off at the intersection of Market Street and M.L. King Boulevard and is expected to last approximately 30 minutes. Following the parade, an Armed Forces Luncheon is scheduled for noon at the Chattanooga Convention Center. This year, the event honors the United States Space Force, a military branch that was formed in 2019, marking the first time it will be recognized during the parade.
General B. Chance Saltzman, the Chief of Space Operations and the highest-ranking officer in the U.S. Space Force, will serve as the keynote speaker for the luncheon. His presence at the event underscores the rising importance of space operations in the context of national defense.
The Chattanooga Area Veterans Council, an organization dedicated to supporting local veterans and their families since 1983, is responsible for organizing the annual parade. This year, the council has extended an invitation for local residents and civic groups to partake in the festivities, encouraging them to register and join the celebration. Interested groups can find applications and additional information on the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council’s official website.
To accommodate the parade’s activities, several streets in downtown Chattanooga will undergo closures. Market Street will close at Frazier Avenue starting at 10:30 a.m., and Broad Street will be closed between East 3rd Street and Aquarium Way. Additionally, Aquarium Way will close between Chestnut Street and Market Street. Traffic detours will be put in place for both eastbound and westbound travelers, ensuring that the flow of vehicular traffic is managed effectively during the event.
For area residents wishing to watch the parade, viewing stands will be erected at the intersection of Broad Street and Aquarium Way, while public sidewalks will remain accessible along the entire parade route. To assist those impacted by the road closures, city officials recommend using Riverfront Parkway or Main Street as alternative routes.
In addition, the Downtown Electric Shuttle will continue to operate during the parade; however, certain shuttle stops may be temporarily inoperative, so riders are advised to check local service announcements regarding any changes.
The celebration of Armed Forces Week in Chattanooga serves to recognize and honor the sacrifices made by military personnel, with this year’s addition of the Space Force highlighting the evolving landscape of defense. As the event approaches, the community looks forward to coming together to celebrate the valor and dedication of those who serve in the armed forces, past and present.
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HERE Resources
Chattanooga Events: April 27 – May 3, 2025
Additional Resources
- WDEF News
- Local 3 News
- Times Free Press
- Chattanoogan
- News Channel 9
- Wikipedia: Armed Forces Day
- Google Search: Chattanooga Armed Forces Parade
- Google Scholar: Armed Forces Day Parades
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Armed Forces Day
- Google News: Chattanooga Armed Forces Day Parade
