On November 11, 2025, Hernando’s ninth annual Veteran’s day parade took place around the square.
At the parade
The parade started with the Desoto County Police Department, with motorcycles and police cars. Further down into the parade, U.S. Army Veteran, Andrea Toney was presented. With this she wears her Miss Black Mississippi sash and crown.
When asked, Toney shares that she has many friends she had met while serving.
“So many inspiring women that I encountered while in the service.”
During all of this Leonard Temple, the Master of Ceremonies announced and described every float that came through during the parade. Temple was asked to do this job three years ago when the Master of Ceremonies at the time was unable to make it. Temple continues to do this job with a positive attitude that grasps the watchers’ attention.
When asked what the parade means to him, Temple answers passionately.
“It’s an opportunity to give back and to say thank you to not only for the veterans but for the families of veterans for the sacrifices that they made for the freedoms that we take for granted today.”
How the parade is run
A website has been made to help make this parade succeed. On this website, anyone can volunteer to help with the parade. There are five ways available for citizens to help.
By sponsoring, Hernando seeks businesses that take place in Hernando to sponsor money towards the parade. The parade had five foundational sponsors, Cooke Insurance Center, Principle Toyota, WPB, The Lawyers that Listen, and Burch Realty Group. These sponsors had made a five-year commitment to help make sure that the Hernando Veterans Day Parade takes place every year
Citizens can also help by volunteering to help keep the parade calm. These workers can help others by pointing them in the right direction.
The third way Hernando citizens can help is by in-kind services. The examples given are printing out posters that promote the parade and providing vehicles to carry the veterans in the parade.
It is also shared that you could become a member. Once a member, members help with funds and planning.
The last way advertised for citizens to help is by honoring a veteran. People can donate to the Hall of Honor by donating $50 and sharing information on a loved veteran.
After the parade
After the parade was finished, veterans met at the US National Guard Armory to gather, eat, and be recognized.
Once our veterans had caught up and chatted to one another, Desoto boys choirs performed The National Anthem, Tell My Father by Andrea Ramsey, and each military branches’ songs.
The veterans got to be included with this final performance, standing up when the song of their branch was sung.
