HOLLISTER
One of the observers at today’s Veterans Day Parade in Hollister was life-long local Leona Valdez, who was 10 years old when World War II broke out. She expressed pride for the country and those who have served at today’s 2 p.m. procession down San Benito Street.
Valdez, above anything, said she doesn’t want anyone to forget about soldiers “that fought for us to act like we do today.”
The parade was held today on San Benito Street. Many showed up to support the veterans and take in the spectacle of planes overhead and cars and trucks on the street.
The parade featured 27 entries – including two marching bands, varying scouts groups and many war-era vehicles.
Allen Coughlyn, a 4-year veteran during the pre-Vietnam era, said he enjoys the small-town atmosphere and “likes being here” and he added that his son is a veteran as well.
Another veteran at the parade with a proud family history of military service was Bill Diekmann. Diekmann grew up in a military family, enrolled when he was old enough and then served as a Navy meteorologist.
His main reason for coming to the parade was his patriotism, but if for nothing else, he believes it is an American’s “civic duty to come down here” on Veterans Day.
