Salinas honors veterans with 11th annual Veterans Day Parade
SALINAS, Calif. (KION) After going virtual last year, the Monterey County Veterans Day Parade was back for its 11th year.
Opening ceremonies began at 1:15 at the Salinas High School parking lot before the parade marched from S. Main to Oldtown Salinas.
Thousands in Monterey County came together on the 11th day of the 11th month to honor those who have served, and given the ultimate sacrifice.
"When you see a veteran today, thank them, and ask them, 'Why did you serve?' And listen to their story," said Brigadier General John M. Cushing during opening ceremonies. "They signed up to defend your freedom, and potentially give their life for you.”
BG Cushing served as the Grand Marshall for this year's parade.
People lined the street, taking time on their day off to show gratitude to the thousands of veterans who live on the Central Coast.
Darrin Bright, a Navy veteran, brought his two daughters to watch the parade.
“It’s really important that these girls know about the sacrifices that all our young people in America have done, so we have our freedoms and are able to live here in America and enjoy all the rich blessings it gives us," said Bright.
This year, the Monterey County Veterans Day Parade Committee was determined to bring back the parade bigger and better than ever.
“The very first Veterans Day parade we had, it was raining. And that didn’t stop us. We had about 5,000 people in attendance, waving their flags in the rain. We had about 30 participants. Fast forward to this year, when you go down these streets of Old Town Salinas, there will be upwards of 25,000 people waving American flags," said Tony Virrueta, who is an Army veteran and organizer of the parade.
More than 100 vehicles participated in this year's parade. Salinas Mayor Kimbley Craig, Congressman Jimmy Panetta and other local leaders were all in attendance.
The Monterey County Pops! closed out the celebration this year, holding an after-parade concert on the steps of the Steinbeck Museum.
"There’s only about 1% of us that serve, so we’re really grateful that people are grateful that we do it," said Bright. "Of course, it’s our honor, we’re glad to do it. But it's nice when people are thankful."
