Johnstown’s annual 28th Veterans Day Parade, hosted by the Conemaugh Valley Veterans, will exhibit various local Veteran Service Organizations, school districts, floats, military vehicles, and volunteers right downtown! This year, the theme of the parade is celebrating the 125th Anniversary of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFWs). For more information about this anniversary and the history of VFWs, click here.

A new addition to this parade is the Ditko Division, whose namesake is carried on by Johnstown native, Steve Ditko. Ditko, a U.S. Army Veteran and American comics artist and writer best known as artist and creator of the Marvel superheroes Spider-Man and Doctor Strange, passed away in 2018. In honor of his legacy through the comics industry, the city has two murals on display.

If you are interested in visiting these murals or learning more about Ditko’s history, go to Visit Johnstown or click here.

Additionally, “Spider-Man co-creator Steve Ditko: Superhero of Johnstown” gives a brief overview of the invested work and community involvement put into the murals, led by Matt Lamb, Creative Director of the Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center.

We would love to continue this effort of public recognition through merging the arts, Veteran community, and members at large by opening parade participation to folks of all ages and backgrounds. Volunteers can join the Ditko Division as Spiderman or other Marvel/comic book character. RSVPs are encouraged, but not necessary. Please consider joining us in costume or in spirit! Call (814) 255-0355 or email Parade Coordinator, Josh Hauser, at hauserj@vciinc.org to sign up today.

A Flag Raising Ceremony will be held at Central Park at the conclusion of the parade. We hope that you will consider attending, whether as a parade enthusiast or participant, family member, Veteran, Veteran supporter, or community member at large. Thank you for your ongoing support of this event!

For sponsorship information, donation questions, or general inquiries, please contact Josh Hauser or call our our office.