Miami Beach's 18th annual Veterans Day parade steps off at 11:11 a.m. today, Wednesday, Nov. 11, heading north on Ocean Drive from 5th Street to 15th Street.

The city is presenting the parade with Veterans of Foreign Wars Miami Beach Post 3559. The lineup includes veteran and military groups, marching bands, music and dance performances, local businesses, and community organizations, according to the city. The city bills it as the largest Veterans Day parade in South Florida, and says participation has grown from roughly 50 people in its early years to more than 1,000.

This year's theme is "Forever Honored," and the event is part of the city's America 250 programming marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. The 11:11 a.m. start is a nod to the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, when the armistice ending World War I took effect in 1918.

Where to watch in person

• Parade begins: 5th Street and Ocean Drive, 11:11 a.m.
• Parade ends: 15th Street and Ocean Drive
• Ceremony: 12:15 p.m. in Lummus Park, along Ocean Drive between 11th and 12th streets

Spectators can line either side of Ocean Drive anywhere along the 10-block route. Admission is free.

The ceremony

After the parade, the program moves to Lummus Park. The city's schedule calls for a presentation of colors by the Miami Beach Police and Fire Department honor guards, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, a moment of silence, a 21-gun salute, taps, and a wreath-laying.

Representatives of U.S. Southern Command and city and county leaders are scheduled to speak. The Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida will give a performance, and Miami Beach Girl Scouts will unveil the restored Miami Beach Fire Department Station No. 4 flag box.

In the city's announcement, Mayor Steven Meiner pointed to Miami Beach's role as a major World War II training center, noting that many service members came back after the war to settle and build the city.

Getting there

The city's free citywide trolley serves the area. For drivers, the city lists these municipal garages as closest to the route:

• 200 7th Street
• 512 12th Street
• 1301 Collins Avenue
• 1557 Washington Avenue

City offices are closed today for the holiday, and the city's water taxi is not running. Residential trash pickup is not affected.

Letters of gratitude

Until noon today, the Parks and Recreation tent at 5th Street and Ocean Drive in Lummus Park is collecting unsealed letters and cards for active-duty service members, which the city says will be sent to military bases. Those who drop one off can pick up a "Forever Honored" commemorative hat while supplies last.

The drop-off caps the city's first Letters of Gratitude campaign with VFW Post 3559 and The Betsy Hotel, which projected submitted messages onto the Betsy Orb each evening from Nov. 7 through Nov. 10.

Watch the city's parade video

More information: City of Miami Beach Veterans Day Parade page