Lehigh Valley plans Veterans Day parade to support homeless veterans

In the heart of Bethlehem, the City Council meeting on June 18, 2025, buzzed with passionate discussions that highlighted both community pride and pressing local concerns. As the evening unfolded, one speaker captured the room's attention with a bold proposal for a Veterans Day parade, aiming to rival the city's extravagant Flag Day celebration.

The speaker, whose identity remained unspoken, argued that the $45 million spent on the Flag Day parade could have been better allocated to support homeless veterans. With a vision to create a more cost-effective event, they suggested that proceeds from a potential film or television series honoring the U.S. Army could further benefit veterans in the Lehigh Valley. This idea sparked a conversation about the importance of community events not just as celebrations, but as opportunities for fundraising and awareness.

Transitioning from grand parades to more immediate issues, Joe Daniels, a local resident, raised concerns about the Elks Lodge on Broadhead Street. He reported ongoing problems with rodents, specifically sewer rats, which had been brought to the city's attention multiple times without resolution. Daniels urged the council to provide guidance on how residents could escalate their complaints and seek timely action.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that while the community is eager to celebrate its history and honor its veterans, there are also significant challenges that require attention. The juxtaposition of grand proposals and urgent local issues painted a vivid picture of a city striving to balance pride with responsibility. The discussions left attendees pondering not only the future of community events but also the immediate needs of their neighborhoods.