The first Veterans Day parade in Hollister in more than 50 years
will be held this year, and it’s approaching fast.
The first Veterans Day parade in Hollister in more than 50 years will be held this year, and it’s approaching fast.
The parade will honor San Benito County veterans as well as active-duty military personnel. The Veterans Day Parade Coalition encourages other veteran and military groups from surrounding counties to also participate.
The event – themed “My Country, My Duty, My Honor” – is sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9242, American Legion Post 69, the City of Hollister, San Benito County and Assemblyman Simon Salinas, D-Salinas.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the corner of Monterey Street and Palmtag Drive and will march down San Benito Street to Fifth Street. Officials expect the parade to last about an hour.
About 40 groups are committed to participation in the parade, according to VFW Post 9242 commander and founder Richard Herrera. He said the slate includes military groups and other organizations from San Benito and surrounding counties.
“There’s a lot of patriotic feelings right now, so we’re very excited,” Herrera said.
The Veterans Day Parade Coalition, which consists of four platoon leaders, received approval for the event from the city in June. Herrera is joined by directors Robert Gonzales, Charlie Scott and Rich Petersen.
The coalition also employs a volunteer division, which includes Dolly De Vasier of the VFW Auxiliary, Dr. Calvin Turpin, Lolita Pinuela, Brad Pike Sr., Vince Luna and Barbara Franco.
“It’s a total team effort,” Herrera said, adding that the group has been meeting every week to discuss last-minute preparations.
Local veterans will host other ceremonies at 11:11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building on San Benito Street after the parade.
Veterans Day began as Armistice Day in 1919 in recognition of the end of World War I, in the 11th hour of the 11th month in 1918. President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day in 1954.
“Our goal is to have this event every year on Veterans Day,” Herrera said.
