Gilroy’s Memorial Day is a family tradition that draws thousands to a series of events throughout the day; it’s also a labor of love for the handful of volunteers who put it on each year.
“It’s part of our community and our way of honoring fallen soldiers and to pay tribute,” said Albert Lambert, one of four core volunteers who have put on the Memorial Day events since 2009.
The day begins with a remembrance service at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park, led by local VFW Post 6309 and featuring a moving rendition of “Taps” by a military bugler.
Just a short time later, the bugler will play “Taps” at the start of the Memorial Day parade at 10th and Monterey streets, when the VFW honor guard leads this year’s grand marshall, Korean War veteran, Robert Diaz.
“Thousands come out to see the parade,” said Lambert, who also organizes the city’s Christmas parade.
This year, up to 60 entries will regale the crowd, including marching bands from Gilroy and Christopher High Schools and popular Gilroy characters like Mr. Garlic.
Special guests will include Athena Crosby, Miss Teen California USA from San Jose, former grand marshall Frank Sanchez and the newly crowned Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen, Kyle Perez-Robinson and her court.
“There will be the Gilroy Police Traffic Unit, Gilroy Exchange Club, Gilroy Fire Department,” said Lambert, rattling off this year’s list of participants.
The first year Lambert and his team took over the event, he got about 100 entries for the parade, but, he said, that made the parade a bit too long.
“Fifty to 60 entries is the optimal number,” he said.
Over the years, Lambert and his team at the nonprofit Gilroy Community Organization, have added a car show and family fun section to the day’s events.
“We work really well as a team,” said Lambert of his fellow event organizers, Kersty Daniels, Kristi Valdez and Richard Lopez.
“We start planning in March, but it doesn’t matter how far back you start,” said Daniels. “It all comes down to the final week—that’s when it all happens.”
The community gets in on the act, too, with houses along the parade route offering access to their electricity for the event.
After the parade, a family festival, a car show and live music will take place at Christmas Hill Park. There will also be free bike storage for those who cycle to the festival.
“We encourage people to come out, bring a blanket, sit out in front of the band,” said Daniels. “The park really makes for a nice setting.”
hed: Memorial Day 2016
9 a.m.: Remembrance service at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park, led by VFW Post 6309 Gilroy.
11 a.m.: Parade begins at 10th & Monterey Streets, continues via 10th Street & Uvas Parkway to Christmas Hill Park.
Post-parade: Family fun festival at Christmas Hill Park. Kids activities. Live music. Bounce house. Food trucks. Moment of silence at 3:01 p.m.
All day: Car show at Christmas Hill Park, with up to 200 cars. Classics, hot rods, rat rods, lowriders, mods and more.
