Marking its 77th year in 2026, the annual Armed Forces Day Parade is the longest continuous armed forces parade in the nation. Hosted by Chattanooga Area Veterans Council (CAVC), the parade features participants from military service units, area veterans’ groups, high school bands and all area JROTC units, patriotic organizations, and many others. Each year, the parade highlights a different service branch. Beginning at 10:30 a.m. on May 1, the parade will start at the intersection of Market Street and MLK Boulevard, featuring a tribute to all branches of the United States Armed Forces but with special recognition in 2026 to the United States Coast Guard. Look for military dignitaries representing the sixth active branch along with the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard active-duty troops and veterans. Community groups are encouraged to participate for free in the parade – walking or riding – by contacting the CAVC.
