2023 Parade Theme "Salute to Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans"The little City of Petaluma supported a wonderful 2019 Veterans Day Parade complete with Flyovers from our friends the "Huey Vets" with their restored Huey Helicopter.The U.S. Coast Guard and 5 Warbirds participated as well.
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Schedule Details
- For those participating in the parade, street monitors will be on hand to give out assigned numbers. Staging begins at 11:00 AM on 4th Street, from D Street south to I Street.
- 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM Music will play in the gazebo. Peter Lombardi will head up the sound system.
- The 12-1 Band, Johnathan Parneli and Friends will perform in Walnut Park
- Program after the parade, there will be a speaker at approximately 2:45 PM at the gazebo, an opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and an introduction of the Speakers of the Day.
- The National Anthem and God Bless America will be sung this year by Adrea Krout.
- Thanks to Friedman's, Exchange Bank, and all the donors of 2019, you make the parade possible.
History
- From 1967 to 1983, Julius Forcucci & 2 WWI buddies walked the parade together.
- In 1983 one friend died & the other was ill, so Forcucci walked alone carrying an American Flag in 1984 and 1985.
- In 1986, 50 veterans joined him and the annual parade began.
- Julius Forcucci died Sept. 7, 1988 at age 94. During the 1988 Veterans Day Parade a riderless horse with it's stirrups tied to the saddle led the parade in honor of Forcucci.
- Over the years the parade has grown. In the early 90's the parade reached 100 entries. The 2019 parade had over 200 entries with over 2,000 participants. The estimated crowd was approximately 40,000.
- Recognized as one of the best in the U.S.
- It is the largest Veterans Day Parade north of the Golden Gate.
expected Highlights
- Grand Marshal is Army Colonel Chris Kolenda, founder of the Saber Six Foundation
- The Saber Six Foundation serves veterans before they drift to vices caused by battlefield experiences and PTSD. Our programs transform veterans and their families to find new purpose, belonging and well-being. The results are overwhelming as we are creating ever better versions of self.
- Several military parents and military offspring
- Petaluma Riding and Driving Color Guard
- USCG Two Rock and Cotati Harley Club
- Symbolic flyover and landing of Vietnam Era Huey Helicopter. As well as flyover of various other aircraft.
- Parade announcers are located at the Petaluma Museum, Putnum Plaza, in front of the Hide Away Bar and 4th & C..
- The USAF Commanders Jazz Combo will perform.
Mission Statement
- We remember how men and women set aside their civilian pursuits to serve their nation's cause, defending the freedom of mankind and preserving our American heritage.
- We salute past, present and future members of our armed forces.
- We recognize service to our country and her cause does not end with termination of military service.
- Out of blood and sweat we learned of purpose, sacrifice, tolerance, bravery, and discipline. In our continuing quest for an honorable world peace, we must cultivate these virtues.