LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Residents and visitors in St. Mary’s County will gather Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, to honor America’s veterans during the annual Veterans Day Parade in Leonardtown. Sponsored by the Leonardtown Commissioners and St. Mary’s County Commissioners, the event starts at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Ryken High School, proceeds along Fenwick Street and through Town Square, and concludes with a wreath-laying memorial ceremony at Town Square.
Organizers emphasize preparation for the roughly one-mile route, which highlights local landmarks and draws hundreds from Southern Maryland communities. The parade features marching units, vehicles and community groups, providing a platform to recognize military service members past and present. Following the procession, participants and spectators can join the ceremony to lay wreaths in remembrance.
Weather plays a key role in planning. If rain or other inclement conditions arise, the parade faces cancellation, shifting the focus indoors to Leonardtown Town Hall at 22670 Washington St. Officials will decide by 8 a.m. on Nov. 11 and post updates on VisitLeonardtownMD.com/VeteransDay, the Town of Leonardtown’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/TownofLeonardtown, and the St. Mary’s County Government site at www.stmarysmd.com.
For those marching or driving in the event, parking directives ensure smooth staging. Vehicles such as buses, floats, cars, trucks and motorcycles must arrive at St. Mary’s Ryken High School between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., with all non-emergency units parked by 8 a.m. Marching groups and other participants should use Leonardtown Middle School lots from 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m., catching the final shuttle to the high school at 9 a.m. Safety remains paramount: Parents must avoid roadside drop-offs at the high school or nearby intersections to prevent hazards amid early-morning traffic.
Spectators face similar logistical guidance to manage crowds expected along the route. Designated lots include the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, St. Mary’s County Governmental Center and College of Southern Maryland facilities. Free shuttles operate from these sites, with signage directing pickups. At the Governmental Center, use spaces next to the Carter State Office Building at 23115 Leonard Hall Drive. These arrangements accommodate the influx without overwhelming downtown areas.
Accessibility receives specific attention. Those needing handicapped parking can access Washington Street and use the public lot beside the Hair Company. Further options exist at the Mattingley Gardiner Funeral Home lot via Lawrence Avenue, ensuring inclusive participation for all attendees.
Traffic disruptions form another critical element. Washington Street and Fenwick Street into downtown Leonardtown close from 8 a.m. to noon, restricting access to Lawrence Avenue for residents, business owners and employees only. St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies will direct flow, maintaining order during peak hours.
The parade embodies Southern Maryland’s commitment to veterans, weaving personal stories into public displays. County records note past events raising awareness for organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project, with collection stations often at the square. As Nov. 11 approaches — exactly five years after the 2020 parade’s pandemic modifications — expectations build for clear skies and strong turnout, reinforcing bonds in a region where military heritage shapes daily life.
In Leonardtown’s context, these gatherings extend beyond one day. The town hall, site of rain plans, doubles as a venue for monthly veteran coffee hours, while nearby Fenwick Street hosts related exhibits at the St. Mary’s County Museum. Such integrations highlight how events like this sustain year-round support, from VA claim workshops to youth education on service history.
Organizers stress early arrival to beat closures, underscoring the event’s role in fostering gratitude. With shuttles easing access, the focus stays on reflection, ensuring the parade serves as both tribute and town unifier.
