For a third year, the Utica American Legion Pierce Davis Post 731 will host a Veteran's Day parade. The event this year will be Sunday, Nov. 8.

"We're very happy to announce that one of our guest speakers will be Tammy Duckworth," Weiden said. "Tentative plans include having her flown to Utica in a Blackhawk helicopter," American Legion member and Parade Chairman Terry Weiden said.

Previously the director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Duckworth is now serving as assistant secretary of public and intergovernmental affairs for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Iraq War veteran and former Army aviator lost both legs, and her arm was severely damaged when her helicopter was hit by ground fire. She still serves as a major in the Illinois Army National Guard.

"We're also fortunate to have the nephew and great-nephew of Pierce Davis, the man our Legion is named for, with us for the day," Weiden said. "His nephew served in Vietnam and his great-nephew received the purple heart. They are both members of our Legion and will be coming home to be here for the parade and memorial service."

Last January, Utica's Village Board approved the parade, which means all the streets along a route of Mill to Church Street that ends at Utica Memorial Park will be closed from 1 p.m to about 3 p.m.

Utica's Legion, 55 members strong, works on the Veterans Day parade. In 2007, 45 units participated. In 2008 Veterans were honored with 108 units that included 42 American Legion posts, 10 VFW posts and 11 Amvets groups. According to the Legion's guest book, participants from 13 states came to Utica to celebrate and honor veterans.

"This year, we're planning for 125 units to participate in the parade," Weiden told The Times. "My wife and Legion Commander, Sharon, and I want to stress that there is no charge to participate in this parade. Any unit that wants to march can do so at no charge. And we will not turn down any veteran that wants to march. No uniform is required and they can certainly march with us. This is a day to honor our veterans and no one will be turned away."

Events will begin with a brunch at the Community Center for all parade-participating veterans from 8 a.m. until noon.

"Last year we served about 500 breakfasts, so with more parade participants, we're planning to serve quite a few more breakfasts to our veterans," Terry Weiden said.

"Among the many veterans participating in the parade will be a 96 year-old veteran from the Ladd area," Terry Weiden continued. "There will be a 91-year-old veteran participating, too."

The parade will begin at 1 p.m. Participants include color guards, area fire departments, civic organizations, cheerleaders, businesses and more. And there will be music.

Since the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Civil War, music has been important in the military. Military bands were used to position troops in battle and spur troops to victory. And they have a tradition of entertaining troops and citizens. That tradition will be carried out when five military and school bands walk in the parade: The U.S. Army National Guard Band from Springfield, La Salle-Peru High School Band, St. Bede Academy from Peru, Chicago Police Bag Pipe Band of the Emerald Society and the U.S. Navy Band.

And like the past two years, there will be an aerial performance by the aircraft civilian formation aerobatic Lima Lima Flight Team.

"Plus there's a possibility of a second flyover team, the Illinois Air National Guard," Terry Weiden said.

After the parade ends, there will be a ceremony at Utica Memorial Park with the laying of the wreath and the speakers.

Other speakers include American Legion State Commander Bill Flanigan, VFW State Commander Jules D. Spindler and Amvets Department of Illinois State Commander William Scheffel.

"If the weather is too bad, we'll hold the service in the school (Waltham Elementary, 248 W. Canal St.) gymnasium, " Weiden continued, "but the parade will go on, rain or shine."

Weiden said he is grateful for the support of the village, its police and fire departments.

"We are very appreciative of our city that supports the Legion and parade 100 percent," he said. "Everyone from our mayor, trustees and police have helped us make this a great way to honor and celebrate all of our veterans."

"We are also very grateful for all the help and support we get from our residents," he continued. "We are a small Legion and we could not do all of this without the help of everyone in our town. People here have donated food and money to help make this parade happen. Utica is a town of very good people who always help out in bad and good times. As the parade grows each year, we are very thankful for the support of everyone here in town."

For more information on the veterans brunch, the parade and how to participate, call Terry Weiden at 815-667-4150.