105th Central Valley Veterans Day Parade in downtown Fresno
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The 105th Central Valley Veterans Day Parade took place in downtown Fresno late Monday morning.
The three-hour celebration began at Fresno City Hall and ended at Chukchansi Park.
About 20,000 people lined the streets to show their appreciation to those who have served our country.
Retired US Marine Corps service member Dan Payne has been the announcer for the Central Valley Veterans Day Parade for over twenty years.
"Many times I've been referred to as the voice of the Veterans Day Parade," said Payne.
Over 114 entries were featured in this year's parade, including US Navy Veteran Nick Smirnov.
Smirnov, who served in Vietnam, rode his motorcycle in the parade, which he has taken part in for more than 20 years.
"It honors everybody who served. There's only seven percent of the population that serves in the armed forces. We sacrifice our lives for our nation's freedom," said Smirnov.
Army Veteran Carol Blackford also rode in the parade.
"It's really exciting and what's great is seeing people out and cheering so happy and supporting vets," explained Blackford.
The grand marshal was retired US Navy Captain Adan Covarubias.
There were also veterans on the sidelines watching the parade, like Von Buxton, who came from Salt Lake City.
"My granddaughter is in the Hoover High School color guard and she will be carrying the letter 'V,'" said Buxton.
It was a full circle moment for Buxton's granddaughter, Vivian.
I grew up here and I've been to this parade so it's kind of fun to be back all these years later and just be a part of this scene," said Vivan.
The parade was also an opportunity to show children the importance of Veterans Day.
"They need to know that freedom isn't free, there's a cost for it. And veterans are out there protecting us everyday and we want them to know that and be proud of them," said Virginia Rivera.
ABC30 is a proud sponsor of the 105th Central Valley Veterans Day Parade.
If you missed any part of the Central Valley Veteran's Day Parade, you can watch it in its entirety, below:
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