Thousands crowd downtown to honor veterans

Sienna Brandin watched wide-eyed as hundreds of men and women in uniform paraded down Tejon Street Saturday.

It was a dazzling show of military dress, from World War II to modern camouflage.

The flag-waving 3-year-old girl was loving it. But, to her innocent eyes, one uniform was missing.

“Where are the clowns at?” she asked.

Thousands packed downtown for Saturday’s Veterans Day parade to honor military members of the past and present.

Tanks rolled. Horses trotted. Air Force C-130s transport planes rumbled overhead. Bands played hand-clapping, foot-stomping tunes. Veterans threw kisses and beamed with pride.

“It was a very proud moment. Very exciting,” Army Staff Sgt. Travis Young said.

Lupe Veramontes used to march with her school’s ROTC program. On Saturday, she brought the double stroller, Batman bottle and Sesame Street blanket for her sons, 7 months and 3.

“It’s a family thing to do,” she said.

Brownie Scouts from Becky Brokaw’s Troop 2068 handed out flags to the spectators and handmade thank-you cards to the veterans. “They’re having a lot of fun,” she said.

Emily Zaugg, 8, said she liked “the Army people.”

The bands got the nod from Lauren Hines, 9. “They played our school song,” she said.

The parade was bittersweet for little Sienna’s grandmother, Shirley Gallegos.

“I used to bring my dad,” she said. “He was in World War II, in the invasion of Normandy. My dad was a quiet man, except when he was watching the parade.”

A military connection wasn’t required to revel in the patriotism.

“We brought the chairs, but we’re too excited to sit down,” retiree Mildred Conrardy said. “It’s exhilarating.”

The annual parade, started 10 years ago by a small nonprofit group, drew 105 entries and 15 marching bands. The $35,000 it cost to host was funded by donations, said spokeswoman Diana Ceciliani.

With the bleak economy, there were concerns about funding this year, but businesses stepped up, she said.

Many downtown merchants owners closed during the event or stood in front of their open, empty stores to watch. Parades are good for the community, but not necessarily for business, because people come for the event, not to shop, said Saboz owner Linda Bridger.

“It’s for veterans, so it’s OK,” said her husband, Larry. “Some of the others are less OK.”

—
Call the writer at 636-0253.