Friday, May 9, 2025

Legion Of Mars Kicked Off Uptown New Orleans Parades On Saturday

The Legion of Mars parade is the first to honor all those who have served. Sponsored by the Cincinnatis Club, the krewe was founded by combat veterans in 2013. Legion Of Mars Kicked Off Uptown New Orleans Parades On Saturday

Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict
Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict

A partnership with the City of New Orleans, the procession includes first responders, law enforcement personnel, and veterans from throughout the country. The Mardi Gras krewe tosses Mars-themed throws. 

Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict

The 2023 theme for the parade is “The City of New Orleans Honors Its Heroes.” This was the first year that the krewe rolled on its own on the Uptown parade route.

Legion Of Mars Parades On Saturday
Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict
Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict
Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict

Queen X Grace Farnsworth Schaumburg and other royalty smiled for the crowd and tossed Mars themed throws to the onlookers lining the streets.

Legion Of Mars Parades On Saturday
Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict
Legion Of Mars Parades On Saturday
Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict

Brigadier General Thomas C. Friloux served as grand marshal of the parade for 2023.

Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict

One of highlights of the parade is a float carrying Purple Heart recipients (Wounded Warriors). They ride free of charge thanks community sponsors and the krewe.

Legion Of Mars Parades On Saturday
Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict

The parade starts with relic military vehicles and includes floats with themes representing all the branches of the armed forces including Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.

Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict
Legion Of Mars Parades On Saturday
Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict
Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict
Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addic

The New Orleans Police Department, Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office also have floats in the parade.

Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict
Legion Of Mars Parades On Saturday
Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict

Floats were also dedicated to Special Forces Veterans and WWII remembrance.

Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict
Legion Of Mars Parades On Saturday
Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict
Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict

The parade route on Napoleon was lined with military veterans who cheered on the float riders. There was a forecast of rain but kids and adults of all ages took over the neutral ground and sidewalk to view the parades for the afternoon parades.

Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict
Legion Of Mars Parades On Saturday
Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict
Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict
Legion Of Mars Parades On Saturday
Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict

Along with their parade, Mars participates year-round in military related philanthropy, including feeding Veterans on Veterans Day at the VA hospital.

Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict

The krewe also helps active military, veterans, and first responders when they are in need, such as following natural disasters.

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Amy Harris
Amy Harris is a writer and photographer who has been traveling for 20 years and flown over 2 million miles to visit over 80 countries on 6 continents. She is a freelance photographer for Invision by Associated Press, AP Images and Rex/Shutterstock. Her work can be seen in various publications and websites including: Rolling Stone, AP Images, National Geographic Books, Fodor’s Travel Guides, Forbes.com, Lonely Planet Travel Guides, JetStar magazine, and Delta Sky Magazine.

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