ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - On a rainy Veterans Day in Elk Grove, nothing stopped veterans from being honored by the 2024 Elk Grove Veterans Day parade hosted by American Legion Post 233.

According to some weather forecasts, there was going to be rain on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11. However, many floats had been built and many veterans, along with Scouts and Junior Reserves’ Training Corps cadets from John F. Kennedy High School, were prepared to march down Elk Grove Boulevard and Elk Grove–Florin Road to Elk Grove Regional Park to honor those who have selflessly served our nation.  

Henry Sanchez, post adjutant and finance officer for American Legion Post 233, said that despite the inclement weather, the parade was still going to happen, rain or shine.

“We are blessed to have the vast majority of the Elk Grove community join us for this celebration,” Sanchez said.

Initially, many high school bands were supposed to march in the parade but had to cancel because of the weather conditions. Sanchez noted that it was an understandable decision because of safety concerns. Miguel Ortega, sergeant major for the Junior Reserves’ Training Corps program at Kennedy High School, said that with this being Veterans Day, it didn’t matter if it was “raining or snowing,” the troops shall still march in spite of the weather conditions. 

Ortega said he served for the Marines from 1990 to 2020 and that this parade meant, “the world to him,” as it honored those who served. Ortega said the cadets take part in the Veterans Day parade so that they “have a good understanding of what it means to serve their community.”

Before the parade began, an opening ceremony took place as Elk Grove City Councilmember Kevin Spease spoke about his experiences serving the country. Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen said that “rain or shine, the veterans will be honored.” Cosumnes Fire Department Chief Felipe Rodriguez presented a proclamation for veterans Commander D’Ann Moseley of Post 233, Commander Larry Sahota of Post 55 and Commander Frank Rositas of Post 1238.

The majority of Elk Grove-Florin Road was blocked off to make way for the parade. A mural honoring the veterans was painted and on display in front of Annie Peony Fine Art for vets to sign their names. Journey Church, next to the gallery, provided snacks such as cookies, hot dogs and water for any attendees of the parade. 

With many American flags on display down Elk Grove-Florin Road, a big flag was set up above the road by cranes as a part of the parade. 

Many Elk Grove residents braved the rainy weather to attend the parade. For Elk Grove resident Josilynn Parker, she said that although she doesn’t have any connection with any veterans, it was a nice event for her to bring out her children to expose them and celebrate this holiday. 

Parker said that this event was a good way to celebrate and honor the veterans and to bring the Elk Grove community together.

Elk Grove resident Joe Ming attended the parade with his wife and daughter. Ming said that it is great to honor veterans and that his father-in-law was in the Navy, and also had relatives of his own who served. 

“We’re big supporters, so we make a point to come out and honor the vets,” Ming said. “The rain wasn’t going to stop us from coming out and honoring those who fought for our country.”