The 2017 Independence Day celebration in Brundidge this weekend will feature the annual “Salute to Veterans” at 6 p.m. Friday at the Fort Wendell K. Taylor National Guard Armory and continue at 9 a.m. Saturday with the Independence Day Parade in downtown Brundidge.

Randy Ross, Pike County Veterans Affairs officer, said the annual “Salute to Veterans” will honor all veterans with a special salute to the 900th Maintenance Company of the Alabama National Guard in Brundidge.

“The 900th is being deactivated and we wanted to take this time to honor the members of the unit, past and present, for their service and for what this unit has meant to Brundidge since 1953,” Ross said.

The “Salute to Veterans” will open with a reception for all veterans and their families. The community is invited to attend and show its appreciation to all veterans.   Entertainment for the “Salute” will be by Lenny Trawick, Amanda Trawick and Gary Garrett.

A short program will include remarks by Col. Lawrence Bowden, Ret. and Freddie Turner, Quartermaster of VFW Post 7055 in Brundidge.

“We will close the ‘Salute’ with a candlelight service honoring the memory and service of our veterans,” Ross said.

Delatha Mobley, parade coordinator for the sponsoring Brundidge Business Association, said the 2017 Independence Day Parade will begin at 9 a.m. and follow a Main Street route through downtown Brundidge.

“Max Thrash, a veteran of World War II, will be our Grand Marshal,” Mobley said. “Betsy Ross will be a featured entry in the parade as we celebrate our country’s Independence. Of course, we’ll honor our veterans with a variety of entries including military jeeps and different military vehicles representing the 900th Maintenance Company.”

Mobley said the parade will feature Red Hat Ladies, firefighters, law enforcement officers, first responders, clubs, organizations, businesses, wagons, antique vehicles, area queens and much more.

“We invite everyone to join us in celebrating our country’s independence and the men and women, past and present, that have fought for and preserved the freedoms we enjoy today,” Mobley said.

The parade lineup is at 8 a.m. Saturday at the National Guard Armory for riding units. Walking entries may join the parade at the former BB&T building on North Main Street.