Over 15,000 people flood into downtown Fresno to watch the 102nd annual Fresno Veterans Day Parade, Nov. 11. Honoring thousands of veterans and servicemen and women who have previously served and who are currently serving our nation in the armed forces, Fresno’s Veterans Day Parade continues to be one of the largest veterans parades in America.

Last year the big event was moved to a televised version due to COVID precautions, which made being back in person extra special for this year’s parade.

Over two million veterans live in California and almost 50,000 of those veterans reside in Fresno. This year’s Grand Marshals are husband and wife, Scott and Linda Phillips. Both of the Phillips are retired U.S. Air Force pilots and current Central Valley Honor Flight board members.

The parade showcased dozens of vintage and new cars, each filled with patriotic participants waving to the crowd.  Representatives of the various branches of military strolled down the road with heavy army tanks and vehicles behind them.

Sounds from school bands, color guards, and cheer teams amped up the crowd as they also had the opportunity to walk the parade and thank the watching veterans on either side of the street. All together the event was busting with energy, admiration, and nationalistic pride for the honored veterans.

Earning extra credit for their APUSH class, sophomores Miracle Neal and Blake Bridges attended the parade for the first time.

“It was a really good opportunity to learn about the veterans,” Neal said. “Blake and I went early and interviewed  six veterans who all had different experiences, which were pretty cool to learn about.”

“This was actually my first time going,” Bridges said. “I would totally recommend for someone to go because it was super fun and a great opportunity.”

As a first-year Feather journalist, I had the absolute honor of capturing this year’s annual Veterans Day Parade. Showing up by myself to such an iconic event was a little daunting at first. So many places to look and capture was overwhelming. Reminding myself the focus was the parade and the veterans helped me to narrow in on my assignment. Some of my favorite images are in the slideshow below.

If you would like to read more about veterans, read Veteran Nyle Smith reflects on his WWII service.

For more Feather photos visit the Media page.

Slideshow below are images taken by photojournalists Elise Bessey during the 102nd annual Veterans Day Parade, Nov. 11.

Gallery • 32 Photos