SALINAS VALLEY — The 12th Annual Monterey County Veterans Day Parade is set to be the biggest to date on Veterans Day, this Friday, Nov. 11, in Oldtown Salinas.
This year’s Grand Marshal will be Col. Lisa Lamb, Fort Hunter Liggett garrison commander. Lamb brings a decorated military career and will share what Veterans Day means to her.
The 2022 parade is dedicated to fallen Officer JD Alvarado from the Salinas Police Department, who previously was a combat Army veteran.
Opening ceremonies will start at 1 p.m. at the Salinas High School parking lot, and the parade will kick off at 2 p.m. with a Calstar Helicopter leading the way.
Salinas Mayor Kimbley Craig will address the veterans at the opening ceremony, and there will be a mock oath of enlistment for about 100 future service members from all branches.
“Our parade committee has put in countless, dedicated hours all year long for this special day honoring our veterans,” said Tony Virrueta, parade chairman.
Immediately after the final vehicle passes under the “Salinas” arch, Monterey County Pops! and at least seven high school bands will play some songs.
Throughout the past 11 years, thousands of people from all over Monterey County gather in Oldtown Salinas to honor local veterans.
“We have over 100 participants and estimate over 25,000 patriotic spectators lining Main Street, meaning this will be our largest parade to date,” Virrueta said. “Little flags will be waiving as they pass through.”
For more information, contact Virrueta at 831-214-9781 or [email protected].
