Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. and the City of Hammond will celebrate its 13th Annual Veteran Appreciation Day parade on Saturday, November 7th at 10 a.m. in Hammond’s 5th and 6th Districts. The parade route travels from Olcott Avenue, down 173rd Street and ends at the Hessville Park Veterans Memorial.

Lima Lima Flight Team will do a special flyover at 9:45 am before the parade. Join us to honor our veterans with a short program to immediately follow the parade at the Hessville Park Veteran Memorial at 173rd Street & Kennedy Avenue.

This year’s Grand Marshal will be the American Legion Hammond Victory Post 168

95 Years of Service, Honor, and Community Commitment

The American Legion Hammond Victory Post 168 is comprised of honorably discharged veterans who have proudly served in the United States Armed Forces. With approximately 16 million veterans across the nation, Post 168 is honored to call Hammond, Indiana, home and remains committed to serving veterans, their families, and the surrounding community.

Celebrating 95 Years of Service

For 95 years, American Legion Hammond Victory Post 168 has proudly served the citizens of Hammond and neighboring communities. Whether supporting fellow veterans, assisting military families, or responding to community needs, our members have remained dedicated to serving whenever and wherever help is needed.

We take great pride in our history, our accomplishments, and the positive impact we have made throughout nearly a century of service. Our legacy reflects the American Legion’s enduring values of patriotism, honor, service, and commitment to those who have worn our nation’s uniform.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout our history, Post 168 has received numerous honors recognizing our dedication to community involvement, communication, and service to veterans. These distinctions include:

• American Legion Department of Indiana Community Involvement Award — July 2008
• Gaylord N. Sheline Award — Post of Distinction — July 2001
• Excellence in Communication Award — 2011
• Indiana General Assembly Resolution No. 30 — March 3, 2015, recognizing Veterans Views, a television program that aired on Comcast Cable in Lake County, Indiana.

These recognitions reflect our continued commitment to informing, supporting, and advocating for veterans and the communities they call home.

Veterans Views: A Voice for Veterans

Veterans Views is a weekly radio program hosted by veteran volunteers and dedicated to sharing information, experiences, and perspectives that matter to the veteran community. Its guiding principle is simple: a show for veterans, by veterans.

Originally broadcast on television through Comcast Cable in Lake County, the program transitioned to WJOB AM 1230 in 2009, continuing its mission of educating, informing, and connecting veterans with their community.

On January 19, 2018, Veterans Views received recognition from the United States House of Representatives, further affirming the importance of its work and its contribution to the veteran community.

Tribute to Our Troops Memorial

As part of our continued commitment to honoring those who serve, Post 168 recently established the Tribute to Our Troops Memorial in downtown Hammond, Indiana.

This memorial honors all troops, across all branches of the United States Armed Forces and all wars. It commemorates the history of American military service from 1776 through 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding and celebrating 250 years of military service to America.

The memorial stands as a tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of the men and women who have defended our nation’s freedom throughout its history. It serves as a lasting reminder that the contributions of our service members must never be forgotten.

Our Legacy Continues

As American Legion Hammond Victory Post 168 celebrates 95 years of service, we remain steadfast in our mission to honor our veterans, support their families, strengthen our community, and preserve the legacy of those who have served our country.

Ninety-five years of service. A legacy of honor. A commitment to the future.

American Legion Hammond Victory Post 168 is proud of its past, dedicated to serving today, and committed to ensuring that the sacrifices of America’s veterans are remembered for generations to come.

For more information, contact the Hammond Parks & Recreation at (219) 853-6378.

To enter your organized group into the parade, fill out our online entry form here.