Like many others, World War II veteran Alfred Rodriguez, 81,
came to Hollister Friday to see the fourth annual Veterans Day
Parade and pay tribute to all the servicemembers in his family.
Hollister – Like many others, World War II veteran Alfred Rodriguez, 81, came to Hollister Friday to see the fourth annual Veterans Day Parade and pay tribute to all the servicemembers in his family.
“I thank God that we all came back,” he said. “This parade showed a lot of respect for our veterans. It shows we are still proud.”
Under an overcast sky the parade’s 40 floats came down San Benito Street, which was lined with flag-waving fans and members of America’s armed services, many in uniform.
Six-year-old Noell Crummett came out of respect for her father, Jeff, who served in the Navy during the Persian Gulf War. The best part for Crummett was the flashing lights and sirens of the police motorcycles that drove past.
Sponsored by the San Benito County Veterans Coalition, the hour-long parade included performances by the San Benito High School Marching Band, the Rancho-Maze Band and the San Benito High School Junior Reserve Officers Training Core. Uncle Sam, the San Benito County Militia and several area politicians also made appearances.
Hollister resident Ron Hatchett brought his family to see the parade in order to support members of America’s armed services.
“It was a good parade,” he said. “I was very impressed.”
For Hatchett’s 3-year-old son Austin, the best part of the parade was easy to spot.
“I like the fire trucks,” Austin said.
Hollister veteran Robert Deluna, who fought in Vietnam with the Army’s 101st Airborne, watched the parade with his family. He is glad San Benito County has a veterans parade.
“I think it brings people together,” he said. “Nobody wants to go to war, but sometimes it’s a necessary evil. We’re a family of patriots and we wanted to support all of those who have served, both past and present.”
San Benito County had not been home to such a parade for nearly 50 years before event organizer and Persian Gulf veteran Richard Herrera started the tradition again in 2002.
Nov. 11, originally known as Armistice Day when it marked the end of fighting in World War I in 1918, was first recognized in 1919 to honor of those who fought in that war. The name was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 by President Dwight Eisenhower and now honors veterans of all wars, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Following the parade, the San Benito County Veterans Coalition held a barbecue and reception in front of the Veteran’s Memorial Building. The event included speeches from local servicemen and politicians.
“All patriotism begins at home,” San Benito County Supervisor Reb Monaco said. “Hollister is an example of that kind of patriotism.”
Brett Rowland covers education for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or [email protected]
