Due to uncertainties coming out of the pandemic, the annual Veterans Parade on Memorial Day will instead march through downtown Gilroy on Veterans Day in November.
But the Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at St. Mary’s Cemetery will still take place, organizers said.
“We know the Memorial Day parade is a Gilroy tradition,” said Parade Committee member and veteran Jesse Sanchez. “But with the additional time to plan, we hope the parade will properly honor our local veterans.”
The Veterans of Foreign War Post 6309 will still host a Remembrance Ceremony at St. Mary’s Cemetery at 1000 First St. in Gilroy on May 30 at 9am.
“We are honored to host such an important event for our community,” said Fred Villarreal, VFW Commander and event organizer. “Please join us in remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces to preserve our freedom, liberty and way of life.”
The highlight will be the reading of the 80 names of Gilroy veterans, from World War I to Afghanistan, who died serving the country.
“While the day starts with a solemn event, we hope it will give Gilroyans a chance to spend time with their families and reflect on the freedoms they enjoy thanks to Americans who have served our country,” Sanchez said.
