San Bernardino Veterans Day Parade

Nine-year-old David McCarver spends quality time hanging out with Grandpa Pete as they attended this year's annual Cruizin “E” St. Car Show and Veteran’s appreciation Day Parade. The parade started on “E” Street, just north of the 75-year-old McDonald’s original drive-in restaurant, now the corporate office for Juan Pollo, Albert Ocuro’s 35 chicken restaurants in Southern California locations. Also on this site is our city’s military museum. At 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, the parade was led by two of our city’s finest police motorcycle officers, followed by San Bernardino High School’s ROTC color guard and military vehicles from our San Bernardino Museum, Norton Military Museum and local VFW Inland Airborne Association jeep. Next came our supportive city council members and one of our faithful sponsors, Juan Pollo Chicken’s Dodge 2-door highway patrol car. E Street was lined with beautifully restored cars displayed by several car clubs. City Clerk Gigi Hanna hosted four female veterans, hero’s who shared their military service to our nation. State Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown made presentations to our veterans hero’s and said, “Thank you for our men and women now in harms way to defend the freedom we cherish and enjoy today as well as those who paid all to keep America the greatest nation in the world." The parade’s Grand Marshall was Sgt. Raymond Rincon, Vietnam wounded combat veteran. Our own VFW was well represented by their entries, even our Navy’ Shore Patrol and WWII veteran Richard B. Hanna, USRMC. The Devil’s Brew Motorcycle Club was in the parade, who are veterans with many medal recipients and heroes whose goals were helping our veterans, one soul at a time. Mickey Valdiaz of San Bernardino Parks and Recreations helped plan all of the events. John Coute of Over the Hill Gang, car club, San Bernardino High Mr. Cardinal, Aldo Berragen, now in the army planning for a career in criminal justice, local business couple was once a Navy Medic treating U.S. Marines. Korean Vet, Jerry Martinez came home to marry Nardine and operate the Green Shack Market Place on Highland Ave. We also honored Rory Murray our muralist who redecorated the McDonald’s historic site. The Aztec dancers in full native dress thrilled the crowd, along with ROTC units in full uniforms, flags, banners and training gear. Parents, teachers and youth leaders who invest, endure and supply the patience and experience to build the future of American businesses, civic and military leaders with the skills, integrity and leadership to be the future leaders, and if need be our defenders and war heroes. We thank you! The parade ended with the Juan Pollo’s yacht. Stater Brother’s had their semi truck on display. Their 168 markets and 18,000 employees supply our homes with food since 1948. Following the parade, there were presentations from the McDonald Stage. Military Museum representative M/C Mario Montecino directed the acknowledgement of service men and the four women, the veterans and our POW/MIA. Other speakers were: flag salute by Grand Marshall Sgt. Raymond Rincon, National Anthem and military salute in song by four local teenagers. "Desiah," Mayor Davis, Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown, and Danny Castro gave out plaques, and Pastor Robert Hutton closed in prayer. Taps were played by Rodger Baty and echo by Bent Trottier. “We would like to thank all veterans that have come here this Veterans Day, to help us pay tribute to our men and woman in uniform who are presently in harms way around the world, and to honor all veterans that have served our great nation in its time of need throughout the years," stated by a member of the Juan Pollo’s Cruizin E St. Veterans Committee.