GR to Light up City Landmarks Red, White, and Blue for Veterans Day 2021

Veterans Day is coming up and the City of Grand Rapids along with the United Veterans Council of Kent County is planning a four-day "Light Grand Rapids" event. Different landmarks around Grand Rapid will be illuminated red, white, and blue to honor those who have served and those who continue to serve in the U.S. military.

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The United Veterans Council of Kent County will host a flag-lowering ceremony at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11 at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans in place of its annual City-sponsored Veterans Day parade. The public is invited to attend.

The public is also encouraged to acknowledge those who have served in the United Staes Armed Forces by turning on a light, putting out a flag, or displaying other decorations at their homes and businesses.

Evette Pittman, special events manager at the City’s Office of Special Events said,

We want to recognize this important day by lighting Grand Rapids. We want to show appreciation and remember the sacrifices of those who bravely serve our nation in a way that allows everyone in our community to participate.

City landmarks that will be lit up red, white, and blue for Veteran's Day include:

• Amway Tower
• JW Marriot
• Gerald R. Ford Airport
• Varnum
• Blue Bridge
• Gallery Parking Lot
• Bridge St. Underpass
• Pearl St. Underpass

Another group is holding a Veterans Parade downtown Grand Rapids at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. The parade will start at Division and Lyon and end at Veterans Memorial Park where there will be a brief ceremony to honor our Veterans.

Before the parade, Terrapin is hosting a Veterans Memorial and Monument park clean up from 3:30 to 4:30p.m.