Douglas County will host its 12th annual nighttime Veterans Day parade on Nov. 11 through the streets of downtown Douglasville.

Douglas County officials believe this is the only nighttime and lighted Veterans Day parade in the nation, according to Wes Tallon, county communications and community relations director.

The parade will begin at 7 p.m. from the front parking lots of Douglas County High School. It will go north on Campbellton Street to Church Street, west on Church Street to Bowden Street, south on Bowden Street to Upshaw, east on Upshaw, and south on Price, Woodrow and Cambelllton streets to the high school. The parade route is about one mile long.

Tallon said the parade is lighted, meaning many of the parade entries are illuminated.

“Walking units carry flashlights and lanterns and motorized units have patriotic lights,” Tallon said. “The parade follows lighted streets for safety, but the lighting of the parade units adds to the celebration. All units are required to salute our military, veterans and/or American flag. No self-promotion is allowed.”

Active military and reserves from the Douglasville National Guard Armory will lead the parade, followed by representatives from the Armed Forces and JROTC units from high schools in Douglas County. Motorized units from the American Legion, AmVets and Vietnam Veterans of America will be next, followed by public entries.

“The four garden clubs will unite this year to salute the brave men who have fallen in the line of duty with a floral tribute and a salute to active military, reserves and veterans,” Tallon said “Garden club members will carry the parade’s title banner.”

There is no cost to enter the parade, Tallon said. He urges clubs, churches, businesses, scout troops and individuals to show their patriotism in the parade. Line up begins at 6 p.m. in the Douglas County High School parking lot. Interested people can register or get more parade information by calling 770-920-7593.

Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day to recognize the date that the “Great War,” World War I, ended. The time of the armistice was the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month. The name was later changed to Veterans Day to honor all veterans.

Douglas County Commission Chairman Tom Worthan, a former member of the Army National Guard in the Douglasville Armory, said, “In this time of war against terrorism, it’s more important than

ever that we support and honor our military and veterans and thank them for their service. Regardless of how one feels about the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, we should show our support for the brave men and women who place their lives in harm’s way to defeat terrorism and defend freedom. I am proud that Douglas County takes the lead in saluting these heroes in our community, and I encourage all our residents to join with us in and along the parade route to remember the service and sacrifice that keeps us free.”