Fresno Celebrates 95th annual Veterans Day Parade

The Fresno Veterans Day Parade is known to be the largest parade west of the Mississippi river, and this year’s 95th annual presentation did not disappoint. Over 200 entrees and 10,000 participants snaked throughout Downtown Fresno with over 20,000 spectators, honoring those who served our country, Nov. 11.

Fresno salutes Coast Guard soldiers and Korean War veterans, along with remembrances of soldiers WWI, WWII and Vietnam. Many different organizations paraded with the veterans as well as countless schools throughout Fresno county.

The parade began with opening ceremonies beginning at 10:30 a.m. in front of City Hall with many bystanders. The ceremonies included the 21-gun salute, singing the National Anthem and releasing of white doves. With help from The Fresno area Coast Guard auxiliary, Flotilla 10-5, Coast Guard Capt. Edward A. Westfall, a commanding officer based in San Diego, was this year’s Grand Marshall. Shortly following opening ceremonies, Fresno State Marching Band opened the parade.

James Lemay, Army, served in Vietnam in 1950, believes Veterans Day is crucial for the remembrance of the sacrifices made of this nation. He also enjoys seeing veterans lining the streets for the parade.

“It is important to remember those who fought to defend us,” Lemay said. “I volunteered to serve because it was my duty to serve my nation. Veterans Day reminds this nation of what was sacrificed for our country’s sake. This is done through the personal accounts of veterans lining the sides of the street. I hope that people will never forget what veterans have done their country.”

Sergeant Brian Burry, retired US army Vietnam Combat Medic, attended the Fresno Veterans Day Parade and is adamant about remembering the work veterans have done for America.

“I thinks its extremely important to have a constant reminder of Americas freedom because of veterans,” Burry said. “Its fought with blood, sweat and tears and is definitely an honor to always remember them.”

I thinks its extremely important to have a constant reminder of Americas freedom because of veterans. It’s fought with blood, sweat and tears and is definitely an honor to always remember them. — Brian Burry, US army veteran

Veteran Richard Espinoza, served in Vietnam from 1968-1972, believes in educating the youth about the service of veterans and the hard work put into this country.

“Being a veteran myself, I believe that we still honor the past, present and the future,” Espinoza said, “so we can teach younger generations about what the men and women who have served and are currently serving our country have done.

Lesley Bannister, band director, gathered all percussion, color guard, music students and high school, junior high and elementary cheerleaders to march in the parade. Any student interested in participating was allowed ride on the FC float pulled by Randy Hurley’s 1940s restored John Deer tractor.

Cheerleader Brooklynn Ainley, ’17, looked forward to cheering at the parade and seeing the veterans from the central valley.

“I marched in the Veterans Day Parade in 7th grade, I was in front of the band carrying the FC banner,” Ainley said. “I’m looking forward to this year because I actually get to cheer and I’m not limited to just carrying the sign. The parade is a great way to see the veterans who live in Fresno and have served.”

After five years, percussion member William Barisic, ’19, returns to the FC band. Barisic enjoyed FC receiving attention and honored the veterans.

“I marched in a parade about 5 years ago and I had a lot of fun,” Barisic said. “I really like the attention our school got and myself. The Veterans Day parade is just a great way to honor those who have fought for us.”

Summer Villanueba, ’15, who marched in the event, was thankful for the opportunity to support her nation.

“I have marched in about seven parades and this is my last one,” Villanueba said. “My favorite part about marching is being able to hit people if they get in my way. The cool thing about the Veterans day parade is not only is it one of the longest, but we also get to support our troops and say ‘thank you.'”

Editors John Dooman, Trevor Beal, Gaby Siqueiros, Rees Roggenstein and Josh Carter also contributed to this article.

Follow The Feather via Twitter @thefeather,  Instagram @thefeatheronline and Facebook @thefeatheronline. This writer can be reached via Twitter: @_sarapeterson.

For more features, read the Nov. 10 article, Veterans of today: Norris Jernigan.