In the mood for a parade and can't wait for the Fourth of July?

Head to the state Capitol Saturday morning for “A Salute to Our Veterans and Service Members Parade.”

The parade is a salute to all veterans and service members and correlates with the official 50^th anniversary of the Vietnam War and 60^th anniversary of the Korean War, according to a news release from Gov. Branstad's office.

Are you marching in Saturday's parade? Tell us the name of your unit or group in the comments below so our Patch photographer can look for you Saturday. Or upload your photos to Patch Saturday.

“It is important to honor our heroes here at home,” said Branstad. “As a former member of the Army, and now Commander in Chief of the Iowa National Guard, I am proud of the men and women who represent our state on the battlefields across the world and when disaster strikes here on the home front.”

The parade will kick off from the State Capitol and travel down Grand Avenue to disperse at Veterans Auditorium/Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center. The parade route map can be viewed here.

Saturday’s parade will begin at 10 a.m. with a fly-over by the 132^nd Fighter Wing down Grand Avenue. There is no grand marshal for the event, rather a riderless horse will lead the parade participants. A riderless horse is a traditional entry to represent fallen soldiers. 

Spectators are invited to watch the free parade and honor Iowans for their service. Observers can expect to see a variety of parade entries included, but not limited to:

• Veterans and Service members
• Various military groups, battalions, bands, and vehicles
• Budweiser Clydesdales
• Wells Fargo Stagecoach
• The Iowa Veterans Home Eagle Bus
• American Red Cross
• Secretary of State’s Honor a Veteran
• VFW Posts
• Raccoon River Riders Equestrian Drill Team
• Specially wrapped trucks from DMACC and Hy-Vee