WVVA’s In Focus program on Nov. 3, 2025 ran a local preview of Welch’s Veterans Day parade, which the station noted is the nation’s longest continuously running Veterans Day parade. The preview, reported by Taylor Hankins, provided parade time and highlighted that local organizers have posted information for participation and viewing to help residents and visitors plan for the Nov. 11 observance.

The parade in Welch has become a defining ritual for McDowell County, sustaining civic ties in a place that has faced decades of economic dislocation and population loss. For many residents, the procession is both a solemn commemoration of military service and a rare public gathering that brings families, veterans’ groups, civic organizations and visitors into the county seat. Local organizers’ outreach in advance — flagged in WVVA’s coverage — aims to streamline staging areas, viewing locations and participant registration so the event runs safely and inclusively.

Beyond the ceremony, the parade underscores practical questions that affect daily life in McDowell County. Large public gatherings require coordination with emergency medical services, county law enforcement and public works to manage road closures, parking and crowd safety. In a county with an aging population and limited local health resources, planners must consider how to ensure accessible viewing areas for older veterans, space for mobility aids, and on-site or nearby medical support for people with chronic conditions.

The parade also offers a platform to connect veterans with healthcare and benefits. McDowell County health and social service providers and veteran advocates have the opportunity to use public events to distribute information about VA enrollment, local clinic hours and transportation options — steps that can be particularly important in rural communities where distance and limited transit complicate access to care. Organizers and community leaders in Welch have in recent years worked to make civic events more than ceremonial, turning them into moments for outreach and resource linkage.

Economic and social impacts are felt across downtown Welch when the parade brings visitors. Small businesses and restaurants that remain open for the event see increased foot traffic, and the parade’s longevity contributes to a sense of continuity and pride that many residents describe as part of the town’s cultural fabric. At the same time, the event highlights disparities: volunteers and local agencies often fill gaps in public services, and sustaining inclusive, safe celebrations requires ongoing investment in infrastructure and emergency response capacity.

WVVA’s preview segment serves as a practical resource for residents planning to attend and a reminder of the parade’s broader significance. As organizers finalize logistics for this year’s procession, the event will again offer McDowell County an opportunity to honor veterans while spotlighting persistent community needs — from accessible public spaces and transportation to stronger links between civic life and health services. Residents looking for details were directed to WVVA’s coverage for parade time and participation instructions.