Black Mountain celebrates 8th Annual WNC Veterans Day Parade

Local Community Organizations salute military members and first responders

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
November 11, 2026

A celebration of the men and women who have served the nation filled the streets of downtown Black Mountain, Nov. 11, as local organizers, community organizations and clubs participated in the 8th Annual WNC Veterans Day Parade.

The event, established by Black Mountain Salutes, members of the Black Mountain VFW Post 9157 and Swannanoa Valley veterans, featured Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller as grand marshal.

“Since the beginning of our nation, our citizens have left their homes in the defense of our country. The men and women who made this commitment gave a part of themselves to protect and defend their families, communities, and their nation,” said Lieutenant Colonel Mike Ogus (retired), one of the founders of the event. “Whether they served at home or abroad, for a few years or an entire career, these are the people who made a difference. These are our neighbors, friends and family.”

The procession began on East State Street, in front of Black Mountain Primary School, at 2 p.m., traveling west to its conclusion at the Black Mountain Public Library on North Dougherty Avenue. Participants included the Warhorse Battalion, representing the JROTC program at Owen High School. They were joined by the Rocket Battalion of Reynolds High School.

Group representing the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, the American Legion, America 250 N.C., the American Red Cross, the Boys and Girls Scouts, Thomas Chapel AME Zion Church, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and Black Mountain Fire and Police Departments were featured in the parade.

The tradition started in 2018, recognizing the federal holiday that began as Armistice Day in 1919, commemorating the anniversary of the official end of hostilities, following World War I. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill officially renaming the observance Veterans Day. The occasion recognizes every American military veteran who served at times of war or peace.

The annual parade was founded by Ogus, Weston Hall, Ted Horan and Kiersten Hall. Black Mountain VFW Commander David Hana helped organize the gathering, which was underwritten by the local post.

Photos of the 2026 WNC Veterans Day Parade in downtown Black Mountain can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.