MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Veterans Day Parade will return to Oldtown Salinas on Wednesday, Nov. 11, for its 15th annual celebration, with organizers anticipating the largest turnout in the event’s history.
This year’s parade will feature retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Sam Daniels, 93, as grand marshal. A veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, Daniels served more than 20 years in the Army, with tours of duty in Korea, Vietnam, Germany and Japan.
His military honors include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with the V Device, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge and Parachutist Badge.
Following his retirement, Daniels continued serving the veteran community, including two terms as commander of American Legion Post 31 in Salinas, where he also served as finance officer and office manager. He spent approximately 20 years helping prepare weekly meals and Thanksgiving dinners for veterans and community members. He also served on the United Veterans Council and the Veterans Central Coast Cemetery Commission.
“The Monterey County Veterans Day Parade is honored to recognize Command Sgt. Maj. Sam Daniels for a lifetime of military and community service as its grand marshal for this year’s 15th anniversary celebration,” the parade committee said.
Opening ceremonies will begin at 1 p.m. in the Salinas High School parking lot, followed by the parade at 2 p.m. Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue is scheduled to address veterans during the ceremony, which will also include a mock oath of enlistment for about 100 future service members representing all branches of the military.
Organizers expect more than 100 parade participants and an estimated 30,000 spectators along Main Street, which would make this year’s event the largest yet. Thousands of people from throughout Monterey County have gathered in Oldtown Salinas for the parade over the past 14 years.
“Our parade committee has put in countless, dedicated hours all year long for this special day honoring our veterans,” said Tony Virrueta, parade chairman.
Organizers are still seeking volunteers to help on parade day. Those interested can sign up through the volunteer section of montereycountyveteransdayparade.org. For more information, contact Virrueta at 831-214-9781 or to**********@***il.com.
