SALINAS VALLEY — Communities throughout the Salinas Valley commemorated Veterans Day last Tuesday with new traditions, revived programs and longstanding tributes honoring local service members.
Greenfield marked the Nov. 11 holiday with its first-ever Veterans Day Parade, drawing local veterans, city officials, community groups and more. Participants gathered at Greenfield Memorial Hall before marching along El Camino Real to pay tribute.
Parade organizers said they plan to make it an annual tradition, noting strong community turnout for the debut event.
The parade came during a year when the Monterey County Veterans Day Parade in Salinas was canceled, leaving many valley communities to take the lead on local observances.
In Soledad, the city celebrated Veterans Day with a morning ceremony and the relaunch of its Hometown Heroes Banner Program, which features banners honoring local veterans installed along Front Street through Nov. 24.
Public registration for the program filled quickly this fall, and the banner costs were fully covered thanks to a donation from Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez.
“The Veterans Banner Program is a powerful tribute to those who answered the call to serve,” Lopez said. “Their legacy inspires our pride and gratitude as a community.”
Banners were produced in late October and installed by Public Works crews on Nov. 1. The city plans to reinstall them annually around Memorial Day through July 4, and again each November.
“Our veterans and active-duty military members have given so much to keep our nation safe,” added Soledad Mayor Anna Velazquez. “We’re proud to bring back the Veterans Banner Program and honor their bravery alongside our annual ceremony.”
The 8 a.m. ceremony at the Soledad Historical Society Museum included a Color Guard presentation, the National Anthem performed by the Soledad High School Band and remarks from local veterans and leaders, including Soledad Police Chief Patrick Valenzuela.
“Soledad takes great pride in honoring those who served both abroad and here at home,” Valenzuela said. “This ceremony is our community’s way of saying thank you to the veterans whose service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
In King City, VFW Post 6747 continued its long-running Veterans Day tradition with a drive-thru barbecue. Local 4-H youth handed out the tri-tip meals during the annual event, which drew valley residents for lunch while honoring veterans.
Gonzales marked the holiday the Friday before Veterans Day with its own special ceremony at Central Park.
“Today, we honor the brave men and women who have served our nation with courage and conviction,” shared Lopez in a Veterans Day message on Nov. 11. “Their sacrifice and devotion to protecting our freedoms remind us of the true meaning of service and unity. To all who have worn the uniform, we thank you. Your strength, resilience, and dedication continue to inspire us to build stronger, more compassionate communities. We are forever grateful.”
