Over 20,000 people gathered at the 106th annual Central Valley Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11.

 The route began in front of Fresno City Hall at 11:11 a.m., and ended in front of Chukchansi Park. 

“The purpose of the event is to honor our veterans, past and present,” said Paul Haros, the coordinator of the event. “By doing that, we display a sense of pride and patriotism with the community that the nation has for our veterans.”

Haros said that organizing the event was a year-long process, and organizers collaborated and communicated with a library of volunteers and the city council to put on the event. 

Attendees of the event best described the event as cheerful and patriotic, and participants of the parade gave out gifts to veterans and children. 

“I think it’s nice to be in the community when things like this come up,” said Elisa Fernandez, an attendee. “It’s not too often that we have parades.”

The parade displayed a variety of organizations and diverse groups of people giving thanks to veterans. 

“It sets aside all differences politically, it’s like a celebration of family, tradition and cultures,” said Kirk Serumgard, another attendee. “It brings the community together for one sole goal, to celebrate each other.” 

The Military Concert Band of Clovis played music and the parade began with the Fresno State marching band leading the way. 

Schools, colleges and academies across the Central Valley participated in the parade, such as Fresno High School, McFarland High School and Fresno City College. 

Central Valley Native American groups also participated in the parade, including Table Mountain Rancheria and the Indigenous Warriors Flag Group. 

Other organizations participating in the parade included Civil Air Patrol Fresno Squadron 112, California Cadet Corps 5th Brigade and Clovis Veterans Memorial District. 

Student veterans can go to the Veterans Resource Center for services provided by Fresno State.  Veterans can also go to the Veterans Service Office provided by Fresno County.