1st Marine Division Band to be a part of Redlands’ Veterans Day Parade By Kristina Hernandez, Redlands Daily Facts POSTED: 11/06 REDLANDS >> The 1st Marine Division Band has confirmed participation in Tuesday’s Veterans Day celebration in Redlands. The sought-after band is planning to lead the parade, which starts near Redlands High School and continues to Jennie Davis Park. “I’m pleased as punch that they’re coming,” said Sam Irwin, Redlands’ City Clerk and organizer of the second annual event. “We got word about three weeks ago. We are very, very happy that the Marines have decided to come out here and give us a show. We feel very blessed that they’re coming.” More than 5,000 people are expected to attend this year’s event, which was organized after Irwin noticed a demand for it. Parade highlights, in addition to the 1st Marine Band, include participation from local dignitaries, performances by local school bands, the Lindy Sisters and the Memoirs, classic cars and military vehicles. Redlands native and World War II veteran Daniel Gonzales will serve as the parade’s grand marshal. The festivities will continue at Davis Park with a recognition ceremony starting around 10 a.m. A picnic at the Redlands park is to follow. A large veteran population is also expected, especially those who served in World War II, Irwin said. “We’re getting more of these World War II guys willing to talk about their experiences,” he said. “We’re finding out Daniel Gonzales, our grand marshal, is not singular. There are several guys like him in the city. That group is getting smaller and smaller every year, but we are fortunate they are coming forward and talking.” Redlands Mayor and Congressman-elect Pete Aguilar, Councilmember Pat Gilbreath and Mayor Pro Tem Paul Foster are also expected to be a part of the festivities. Foster said he is especially excited for this year’s parade and is proud of Irwin’s work in making the event a reality. “Redlands has many, many veterans living in our community. And we are proud of the veterans and the contributions they have made to our country. It’s a wonderful idea and I’m glad he brought it back. It gives the entire community an opportunity to say ‘Thank You’ to the men and women who fought for (our) rights. The least we can do is pay tribute to them with a parade,” he said. Tuesday’s festivities are free and open to the public. The parade will begin at RHS and will make its way west on Citrus Avenue to Eureka Street, north to State Street, west to Texas Street, north to Redlands Boulevard and west to Jennie Davis Park, which is on the southeast corner of Redlands Boulevard and New York Street. Activities at Jennie Davis Park will also begin at 9 a.m. with military and classic cars on display, food trucks, vendor booths, craft breweries and more. Ceremony highlights following the parade will include the singing of the national anthem and posting of the colors, remarks from dignitaries, a POW/MIA observance, a musical armed salute by the Redlands Fourth of July Band and a 21-gun salute. To learn more about the event, contact Irwin at 909-798-7531 or via email [email protected]. redlandsdailyfacts/lifestyle/20141106/1st-marine-division-band-to-be-a-part-of-redlands-veterans-day-parade
Posted on: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 04:15:01 +0000
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