The 99th annual Veterans Day Parade took place Monday, Nov. 12, in the heart of downtown Fresno. With over 350,000 veterans in the Central Valley alone, Fresno County honors those who have fought for our country by hosting the largest parade in the nation.

Starting in front of Town Hall, at 10:15 a.m., and ending at Chukchansi Park, this year the event was dedicated to the Air Force, although all units were honored. What makes Fresno’s parade the largest in the nation? Over 5,000 active participants in the annual event.

This annual tradition began in 1919, one year after the official Armistice Day ending WWI. This armistice formally ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Next years’ parade will be the 100th anniversary of this historical event.

Veterans Day seeks to remember those who gave up everything for their country and honors the veterans who sacrificed their lives in order to give U.S. citizens a better future. At Fresno Christian, students recognize and learn about what veterans went through for our freedom and continue to support the efforts to honor them.

From a Blackhawk helicopter visit to veterans like Dr. Fitzalbert M. Marius speaking in chapel, the student body celebrates Veteran’s Day throughout the week.

Fresno Veterans Day Parade 2018 from The Feather Online on Vimeo.

For more on the Veterans Day Parade read The 99th annual Veterans Day Parade spotlights Air Force. Also read, WWII veteran Dr. Fitzalbert M. Marius encourages students toward service and UH-60L Blackhawk lands on campus.

The author can be reached via email: Braden Bell, Instagram and Twitter.