Three women who served in the military during World War II will lead Saturday’s Veterans Day Parade through downtown Oak Harbor.

The third Oak Harbor Veterans Day Parade will begin at 2 p.m. and travel down Pioneer Way.

There are even more participants this year than last year, and it’s going to be a “great group,” said parade coordinator Terry Lacey.

Two of the three grand marshals, Eva Brown and and Francis Skinner, served with the Navy WAVES.

By serving as WAVES — Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service — men who previously filled their positions were made available for sea duty, according to Brown.

“I really feel honored that they do recognize the women,” Skinner said.

The third grand marshal, Pat Ricketts, served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps. She was stationed for five months in Karachi, India.

“I think it’s quite an honor,” Ricketts said of being appointed a grand marshal.

The parade will also include the Oak Harbor High School marching band and Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, both armed and unarmed drill teams.

Lacey started the parade in 2012, working by himself to put it on for the community.

“The involvement by so many has made it easy to want to continue each year,” Lacey said.

“This year is special because of our special guests and all the parade participants.”

This year, the parade is being co-sponsored by the Whidbey News Group, which publishes the Whidbey News-Times and Whidbey Crosswind.

Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Lady Auxiliary has arranged Fallen Hero Banners to honor those who have passed in service to the country.

After the parade, Lacey said the participants can go to a reception at the American Legion Building to speak with veterans about their experiences.

“The main highlight is seeing all the people along the streets showing their support for all the veterans,” Lacey said.

“It will be a fantastic time.”

For more about the grand marshals for this year’s Veteran’s Day Parade, please see the special section in today’s newspaper.