Locals are invited to attend the 12th annual Veterans Appreciation Event on July 14, which is the first event following the Summer Celebration Parade, on July 14.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. and travels two blocks south on 78th Ave. Southeast.

Members of the Mercer Island VFW lead the parade, which concludes at the Northeast entrance of Mercerdale Park, on the corner of 78th and Southeast 32nd Street, where the Veterans congregate at the Veterans Pergola on Mercerdale Plaza

At 10:30 a.m., there will be a vocalist presentation from Charlie and the Flashbacks. At 10:40 a.m., Mayor Debbie Berti will welcomes local veterans. At 10:45 a.m., VFW Commander Frank Sorba will speak. At 10:50 a.m., Real Admiral Christopher “Scott” Gray, Commander of Navy Region Northwest, will speak. From 11 to 11:30 a.m. there will be vocalist presentations, including the Military Anthem Medley.