BRISTOL — The town of Bristol will host the 16th annual Scouting Salute to Veterans parade on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 11 a.m. The annual event was started in Richmond in 1999 by a high school teacher/Scout leader to encourage Scouts to recognize veterans, the parade has also been held in Barre, Montpelier, Bennington, Windsor, St. Johnsbury, Vergennes, Burlington, Waterbury, Essex Junction, Northfield, St. Albans, Milton, Morrisville and Springfield.
The paradestarts at the intersection of Liberty and West Pleasant streets, then goes east on West Pleasant, Pleasant and Spring streets; south on Mountain Streets west on Main and West streets to west end of Village Green (park, near St. Ambrose Church), and into the park surrounding the bandstand. The parade route is one mile.
At the park, there will be a 30- to 45-minute presentation with a guest speaker from the Vermont National Guard, introductions of other VIPs and thank yous. 
Participating in the parade will be delegations from American Legion Posts, VFWs and Vietnam veterans associations from around the state, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. Also in the parade will be antique military equipment, the 40th Army Band, Mount Abraham Union High School band, Hannaford’s Fife and Drum Corps, Vermont National Guard personnel and equipment, Shriners, Knights of Columbus, State Police Honor Guard with antique cruiser, Bristol Police and Rescue Squad, Addison County Firemen’s Association Honor Guard and delegations from various fire departments (Bristol, New Haven, Lincoln, Starksboro, Middlebury, Vergennes, Rutland). Eight hundred to 1,000 people are estimated to participate in the parade, with an estimated 500 to 800 spectators.
For more information, contact Ron LaRose at 453-3818 (w), 453-7663 (h), 989-8573 (c) or [email protected], or Alan Smith at Post 19, 453-2951.