Gilroy
– WWII fighter-planes and a CALSTAR helicopter will fly over
local veterans, Boy Scouts, police and fire personnel, the South
County Thunderbird Club, and dozens of other area residents
participating in the eighth annual Memorial Day Parade.
Gilroy – WWII fighter-planes and a CALSTAR helicopter will fly over local veterans, Boy Scouts, police and fire personnel, the South County Thunderbird Club, and dozens of other area residents participating in the eighth annual Memorial Day Parade.
The event, to be held May 31, honors the men and women of the armed forces who have died in battle.
“Veterans Day is for all of us,” said Councilman Bob Dillon, a Navy veteran who has helped organize the parade for five years. “This is for the people that didn’t come home. It’s somewhat more solemn.”
The day begins at 9am at Gavilan Hills Cemetery, off First Street, with a ceremony honoring those who died in battle.
The hour-and-a-half parade begins at 11am and stretches along Tenth Street between Monterey Street and Orchard Drive. Area volunteers Larry Connell and his father Dale, both Navy veterans, will serve as grand marshals of the parade this year.
Following the event, organizers have scheduled a family day between 1pm and 4pm at Christmas Hill Park.
The event will include a rock climbing wall, face painting, balloon artists, and other activities. The popular ’60s-tunes cover-band the Corvairs will also play at the Christmas Hill gazebo.
Organizers have spent two months putting together this year’s event, and are still welcoming people to participate.
To learn more or to make a contribution, contact parade co-chair Craig Gartman at 710-6090 or visit www.gilroyparade.com.
