ORLANDO, Fla. – This year marked the 26th anniversary of the City of Orlando’s Veterans Day Parade, which unfolded with a fresh twist. For the first time, the event took place in Lake Nona, drawing enthusiastic crowds and a renewed spirit of gratitude for veterans, even amidst concerns over the ongoing government shutdown.

On Saturday, the burgeoning Lake Nona area, known for housing the Orlando VA Medical Center, welcomed thousands of spectators to the parade’s new location. Orlando’s Mayor, Buddy Dyer, explained that the decision to shift from the traditional downtown venue was made in collaboration with the city’s veterans committee.

“Our veterans committee believed relocating to Lake Nona would be beneficial. While the parade has historically been downtown, the presence of the VA Hospital and the community of veterans here made this location ideal,” Dyer remarked. “We’re experimenting with it this year, and judging by the large turnout and the 84 parade entries, it promises to be a great success.”

As the parade progressed, spectators waved flags and cheered for the marching bands and veteran groups, celebrating the bravery and sacrifices of those who have served. For Aida Rivera, an 88-year-old veteran, the recognition was profoundly significant.

“Once you leave the service, recognition becomes scarce, so being acknowledged today is truly wonderful for me,” Rivera shared.

However, the shadow of the federal government shutdown loomed large, leaving many veterans voicing their frustrations over its impact on the community.

“It really disheartens me that we could ever shut down the government, and let alone all the trickle-down effects of that, of the things that 99% of the population wouldn’t even think about,” said Timothy Beers, a recent retiree.

“When the government shuts down, you may not be able to turn someone into a national cemetery because it’s closed down.”

Mayor Dyer echoed the concerns and called for state intervention to protect veterans, particularly regarding benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

“There is the opportunity for the state to step in, especially on SNAP benefits, to bridge that gap,” Dyer said. “The governor has decided not to do that. I think, at least at the local and state levels, we need to say—we don’t care whether the Democrats are at fault or the Republicans are at fault. We need to take care of our citizens, especially our veterans.”

Officials with the Department of Veterans Affairs said their commitment to serving veterans continues.

For a full list of benefits still covered during the shutdown, click here.