ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Friends and families gathered Tuesday, Nov. 11 to honor veterans who have served and those who are currently serving our country in the military. They lined the streets to watch a parade filled with veterans, veteran organizations and bands from multiple local high schools.        

The parade was presented by the Elk Grove American Legion Posts 55 and 233, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2073 and Marine Corps League Detachment 1238. They assembled the parade committee at the Cosumnes Community Services District Administration Building on Elk Grove Boulevard.

At 10 a.m., speeches were given by Cosumnes Community Services District Board President Angela Spease, Grand Marshal and veteran Oscar O’Con and Cosumnes Fire Department Fire Chief Felipe Rodriguez. Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen was also in attendance, serving as the honorary marshal. The speeches not only honored and praised those who served but also provided history on the significance of Veterans Day.

 

A police escort prepares the color guard to begin the parade. 

President Woodrow Wilson made a proclamation claiming Nov. 11 as “Armistice Day,” commemorating the end of World War I on the “11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month.” Then, decades later in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation honoring every veteran, not just those who had fought in World War I.               

“We have over 5,000 registered veterans in Elk Grove; it’s just a way to say thank you to those who have served, who signed the blank check to the government in order to protect our freedom,” O’Con said.

The parade started by moving down Elk Grove Boulevard at 11:11 a.m. and turned right on Elk Grove Florin Road to end at the new Regional Veterans Memorial in Elk Grove Park, which broke ground earlier this year.

 

Cosumnes Community Services District Board President Angela Spease speaks prior to the parade.

Here, everyone gathered for a community picnic where veterans, family members and supporters sat down to enjoy the end of the parade. The band from Elk Grove High School even performed one more time in front of everyone.              

This was the first year the parade ended at the memorial, which is still being completed. The memorial not only commemorates veterans who have passed but also those who are still currently with us.

“Our Veterans Memorial is one of the few in the United States where you can honor the living veterans,” said O’Con, who spearheaded the project in 2008.

Although the memorial is not completed, it gave the community of Elk Grove an opportunity to give thanks and honor those who put everything on the line to protect the freedom of this country.   

 

Pictured is the entrance to the Regional Veterans Memorial at Elk Grove Park.