Departed, but not forgotten.
That’s the message hundreds of Gilroyans lining Tenth Street and
those marching in rhythm will be sending to their country’s fallen
soldiers during Gilroy’s annual Memorial Day Hometown Parade
Monday.
GILROY – Departed, but not forgotten.
That’s the message hundreds of Gilroyans lining Tenth Street and those marching in rhythm will be sending to their country’s fallen soldiers during Gilroy’s annual Memorial Day Hometown Parade Monday.
“I think this year’s parade will be special because of the war in Iraq,” said Wayne Cegelske, commander of local Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 6309 and a Vietnam War veteran. “This is a day to remember all of the people killed in all the wars, but it’s also a day to think about the soldiers who are involved in war right now.”
The parade will begin at 11 a.m. at the corner of Monterey and 10th streets, and will proceed west past Gilroy High School to Christmas Hill Park. The GHS marching band will be joined by custom floats, police and fire officials and classic automobiles that will flow through the parade route.
The memorial march will be led by grand marshal and local World War II Veteran Jack Sturla, a life-long Gilroyan who flew 94 combat missions over the South Pacific during the mid-1940s.
Parade organizers expect hundreds of people to participate in annual event, which will be preceded by a remembrance ceremony from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Gavilan Hills Memorial Park Cemetery, 129 Fourth St.
County District 1 Supervisor Don Gage and Mayor Tom Springer will join Cegelske in speaking at the ceremony.
Following the parade, participants and spectators will be able to enjoy food, beverages, music, games and prizes at Christmas Hill Park until 4 p.m.
“We need to celebrate the sacrifices they gave for us,” Cegelske said, “let them know they made a difference.”
Local VFW Post 6309 is starting a campaign to erect several flag poles around the city honoring combat veterans, current military personnel and future soldiers.
To donate to the Gilroy Veteran’s Flagpole Fund call Wayne Cegelske at
842-4903.
