DEAR EDITOR:
Memorial Day is a day that we as Americans set aside to remember
and celebrate those who have served and given the ultimate
sacrifice for our country.
DEAR EDITOR:
Memorial Day is a day that we as Americans set aside to remember and celebrate those who have served and given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It has always been a custom in small towns across America to remember our nation’s fallen with a memorial service followed by a parade and community gathering.
Gilroy has once again proven that we still have the heart of a small town. It has been my honor to serve as chairperson for this year’s Memorial Day Parade and Community Celebration.
I would like to thank the citizens of Gilroy for their turnout this year. As I walked the parade route, I was moved by what I saw. I saw proud veterans in their uniforms standing next to laughing children. I saw citizens of this community standing side by side with people they may have never known before today. After the parade, we celebrated as a community at Christmas Hill Park. I know we made our fallen veterans proud today.
To make today a most enjoyable day for all took the hard work of many behind the scene. I think you all should know who they were. My co-chairs were Bob Dillon and Craig Gartman. Their tireless work over the last few months helped make this years parade one of the best. Thank you Wayne Cegelske for organizing and running the Remembrance Ceremony at Gavilan Cemetery.
I would also like to thank the members of our business community whose support helped make this event possible. A big thank you to a new member of our community, Guaranty RV Center for loaning us a RV to use as a command center for the parade and at the park. Cresco Equipment Rental supplied the traffic control equipment which help us keep the area safe during the parade.
Kurtt Trucking and Bacco’s Transportation for providing the flatbeds for out announcers and judges as well as a platform for the CMAP and members of the press. California Fun Jump provided the two bounce houses and the large slide for the kids enjoyment at the park. Gilroy Foods provided the barrels we used at the park for waste collection and South Valley Disposal provided the pickup service that allowed us to make sure Christmas Hill Park was left as clean as possible after the day’s events. A musical thank you to Mike Malinao at Clear Sound Production for the use of their sound equipment for the parade announcers and the music at the park. And a special thank you to The Dispatch for their support promoting the events of the day.
Shappell Industries, The Exchange Club of Gilroy, Glen Loma, Black Bear Dinner, McDonald’s of Gilroy and Dividend Homes all helped with financial contributions that are appreciated and very necessary in putting on such a large day long event.
I would also like to thank the members of the Gilroy Youth Commission, many of who spent the whole day setting up the park, overseeing the days activities and helping clean up the park at the end of the day. What a wonderful group of young men and women. Thank you to one and all who put in the time and energy needed to make this a wonderful and successful event.
Again, thank you everyone for making the event a wonderful success.
Russ Valiquette, Gilroy, Chairman,
2003 Memorial Day Parade Committee
Submitted Tuesday, May 27 to ed****@ga****.com
