Loveland Honors Veterans with Bell-Ringing and Parade Events

Loveland, Colorado, is set to commemorate Veterans Day on November 11, 2023, with a series of events honoring those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The celebration will begin in the early morning and culminate with a parade and ceremony, reflecting the community’s deep respect for its veterans.

The day will kick off at 04:00 with Loveland’s unique tradition of bell-ringing. Up to 20 trucks will travel throughout the city, carrying volunteers who will ring large bells to signify the moment in history when fighting ended in World War I. This practice, which has been carried out for over fifty years, is believed to be exclusive to Loveland. Tony Abbott, a U.S. Army veteran and former volunteer firefighter, has coordinated this effort for nearly two decades. He organizes routes to ensure every neighborhood is included, stating, “I grew up in Loveland and feel very honored to be the one in charge. It’s something special that brings our community together.”

Following the bell-ringing, community members are invited to a public breakfast at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 41, located at 305 N. Cleveland Ave. The breakfast will be available for $5 for adults and $3 for children, while uniformed military personnel can enjoy the meal at no charge.

The main event, Loveland’s annual Veterans Day Parade, is set to begin staging at 10:00 at the intersection of Third and Railroad avenues. This year’s parade will honor the memory of Tony DuMosch, a U.S. Navy veteran who played a pivotal role in transforming the Veterans Day celebration into a communitywide event. DuMosch passed away from pancreatic cancer in December 2022.

At precisely 11:11, signifying the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the parade will step off, initiated by an F-16 flyover. The procession will travel north along Garfield Avenue to Dwayne Webster Veterans Park. For those unable to attend in person, the parade will be livestreamed on lovelandveteransdayparade.com.

A ceremony honoring each branch of the military will take place at noon in the park, featuring Phyllis Minch as the keynote speaker. A well-known figure in the Loveland community, Minch is actively involved in various local initiatives, including leading the weekly PAMVETs veterans’ breakfast at Golden Corral and volunteering with the Northern Colorado VA and the Food Bank for Larimer County.

This year marks the 13th consecutive time Loveland has been recognized as an official Veterans Day Regional Site by the U.S. Veterans Day National Committee, a distinction shared by only 56 communities nationwide, with Loveland being one of just two in Colorado.

After the ceremony, the VFW will serve lunch until 14:00, again free for those in uniform. The post will reopen later in the day, providing snacks and entertainment, ensuring that the tribute to veterans continues throughout the afternoon.

The community’s celebration of Veterans Day is a testament to Loveland’s commitment to honoring those who have served, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation among residents.