OPELIKA, Ala. – The City of Opelika proudly continues its tradition of hosting a Veterans Day Breakfast and Program, a heartfelt tribute to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms. Last year, Flags for Vets elevated our community’s recognition of veterans with its Freedom Fest Concertand brought two Medal of Honor Recipients to Opelika. This year, the City of Opelika, Flags for Vets, IS4S, and ESPN have joined forces to present an even grander celebration: Freedom Fest Weekend!
Weekend Events:
Friday, November 7
7:00 PM Freedom Fest Concert
Saturday, November 8
8:00 AM City of Opelika Veterans Breakfast
9:00 AM City of Opelika Veterans Program
10:30 AM City of Opelika Veterans Parade
12:30 PM Medal of Honor Meet & Greet
Freedom Fest Concert
Get ready to rock on Friday, November 7, at the Freedom Fest Concert! The concert will be held on 1st Avenue, behind Red Clay Brewing Co. Gates open at 6 PM, with the music kicking off at 7 PM. Enjoy performances by the Blane Rudd Band, followed by the headlining act, the Ryan Waters Band. Presented by Flags for Vets and the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl. More information and tickets to the concert at https://flagsforvets.us/freedom-fest-2025/.
Veterans Breakfast and Program
On Saturday, November 8, we invite all veterans and their families to a special Veterans Breakfast starting at 8 AM at First Baptist Church Opelika. Following the breakfast, the Veterans Program will open to the public at 9 AM. Hosted by the City of Opelika, attendees will hear from Eric Brandenburg, Jr., retired Air Force Special Operations
Senior Non-Commissioned Officer and Operator.Brandenburg is a Silver Star recipient and a five–time Bronze Star recipient.
Veterans Parade
Show your support for our veterans at the Veterans Parade on Saturday, November 8th, at 10:30 AM. The parade will begin at the corner of Avenue C and 9th Street, proceed down 9th Street, and turn onto South Railroad Avenue. Hosted by the City of Opelika and Flags for Vets. A highlight of this year’s Freedom Fest Weekend is the Inaugural Veterans Parade, a historic event that will feature a number of Medal of Honor Recipients. This is a unique opportunity to show your immense gratitude and respect for these extraordinary heroes. We are actively seeking participants to make this inaugural parade a truly memorable occasion. If you represent a military organization, veterans service organization, veterans group, or veterans resource, we invite you to be a part of this special tribute. Your participation will help us create a powerful display of community support and appreciation for our veterans. For more information or to apply to be in the parade, visit www.opelika-al.gov/freedomfest.
