Parade venue set in downtown Fresno

The end of the WWI formed a national holiday which has been celebrated for the last 97 years in Fresno, Nov. 11. Veterans Day was created to honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces in the United States. This year, the 2016 focus will be on the Marine Corp but all branches of the military will be honored as well.

Every year Fresno’s Veterans Day Parade always has more to offer than expected. Many of the military services ranging from the United States Navy to the Marine Corps as well as thousands from the local communities attend the event.

Fresno always has one of the most exciting Veterans Day parades in California. Hundreds of veterans from all around the San Joaquin Valley come to meet with with old friends and make new ones as they support the sacrifices men and women in uniform. The parade begins in front of Fresno’s City Hall.

Band instructor Lesley Bannister will be taking the campus marching band to the parade this year. She is excited for the opportunity to show Fresno how hard they have prepared for this specific event.

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“This is the first year I will bring the band and will march in the parade,” Bannister said. “In previous years we have had color guard and the percussion team perform so we’re excited to add more to that. For the character of our band team and our school, we are going to act politely and thank our veterans for serving. It is a big deal for them to risk their lives and fight for us to make sure we are still here today.”

There are plenty of different organizations that will be there as well. Boy Scouts across the Valley always come out and show their patriotic side to the people. New Fresno mayor-elect Lee Brand will also be in attendance.

Students from multiple high schools will be attending the parade. One person that will be attending is Caitlin Fry, ‘19, who attends Clovis High. She will be going with her family and friends.

“I really want people from all ages to attend this very important event,” Fry said. “My friends and I are excited for Friday. It will be my first year going and I am very intrigued to see what will be in store for me. It is important to honor our veterans and thank them as frequently as possible. I will also be happy to see some of my Fresno Christian friends.”

Jarrod Markarian, ‘17, has been working with veterans in recent years. He loves seeing veterans and being able to thank them for their service.

“Working with the greatest generation of all time is such an honor,” Markarian said. “I have been blessed to work with these amazing people that have sacrificed their lives for us. They have gone out of their way to fight for our country. I was also honored to go on the Central Valley Honor Flight and work with many of the surviving veterans. It was such a great experience and I can’t wait to attend this year’s parade.”

In this year’s parade retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. Oliver North will be the grand marshal. The Fresno Veterans Day Parade is the largest one west of the Mississippi River. The opening ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. Attendees of the event are encouraged to bring donations for Toys for Tots.

The Veterans Day Parade will begin at 11 a.m. in front of the Fresno City Hall downtown, Nov. 11. The parade participants will make their way all around downtown and finish at Chukchansi Park.

For another news article read, Promo: FC hosts communal town hall, Nov. 14.

This writer can be reached via email: Suky Cheema and via twitter: @SukyBoiii