The sound of drums echoes in tandem with the shouts and cheers of the crowd. Children and adults alike smile wide as a patriotic melody accompanies the performing floats. The sun beams down on participants and spectators during the late November 11th morning as community veterans and bands march along for the 105th Central Valley Veterans Day Parade.
The Central Valley Veteran’s Day Parade is the largest on this side of the Mississippi River. The first parade took place in 1919, the year World War II ended. The parade starts promptly at 11:11 am as a reminder of when the Treaty of Versailles was signed in Versailles, France, ending the war.
Before the parade began, a pre-ceremony was held to honor veterans and the parade’s Grand Marshal. This year’s Grand Marshal is retired US Navy Captain Adan “Cherry” Covarrubias, who flew missions in Operation Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Covarrubias lives in the Central Valley with his family and works as a varsity football and track coach.
At the parade, veterans gather to be honored by the many floats and bands. John Guyett served in the military during the Vietnam War and is among those who savor this day.
“I come to this parade every year to watch each entry do their thing and watch them celebrate what my country accomplished,” Guyett said.
Veterans like Guyett come to this parade to honor the country that they fought for and be honored. James Berg, a Gulf War veteran, has been in the Veterans Day Parade for three years to the veterans before him.
“I was in the Gulf War, so I know what it’s like,” Berg said. “But whatever they went through with trials and tribulations speaks volumes to their dedication. [The parade] gives appreciation and showing that we care as a country. It gives them something to look forward to I think.”
Fresno State Band and Color Guard perform in the parade alongside eight high school bands, including Fresno High School, Edison High School and Fresno Christian. Fresno High Senior Xiomara Amezola participated for her fourth year wearing a small American flag in her uniform.
“It’s exciting, and it’s really cool that we get to do it,” Amezola said. “We get to see other schools and get to hang out with other band members from different schools and get to see all the floats that come.
The FCS marching band and color guard last performed in the Veteran’s Day Parade in 2019 under former Band Director Leslie Bannister and former Color Guard Coach Michelle Rodriguez. This year under band director Lindsey Clarno and Color Guard Coach Vanessa Hinojosa, the FCS band returns to the parade to honor veterans of the Central Valley.
Senior Grace Tienken courageously led the Fresno Christian band through the parade, with the color guard following close behind. First-year color guard member Madilyn Miller-Fraire, ‘28, returned to Fresno this year after living in Texas for three years.
“I was excited because I have never been in a parade rather than on the sidelines,” Miller-Fraire said. “I’ve done small things with my schools in Texas but never been in this big of a parade.”
The band and color guard began preparing for the parade in mid-October. Along with new members joining this year, the department received new uniforms and equipment.
Together, the students march from City Hall to Chukchansi Park, honoring veterans with patriotic music. The next parade the FCS band and color guard will perform in is the Children’s Electric Light Parade in Old Town Clovis, on Dec 7.
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