Veterans Day events in central San Joaquin Valley

Events to mark Veterans Day 2017 began Friday with a ceremony at Fresno City College. The keynote speaker was Lorenzo Rio, a veteran of both the U.S. Army and Marine Corps who is now CEO of the Clovis Veterans Memorial District.

The citizen soldier award was given to Charles Hunnicutt, who served in the Air Force and was Fresno County’s veteran services officer until his retirement earlier this year.

Here is a listing of upcoming events to mark Veterans Day:

Saturday, Nov. 4

Los Banos parade

This year’s theme is “Welcome Back from the Sandbox” and honors all veterans with special recognition to those who served during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Parade begins at 11 a.m. on E Street in downtown Los Banos. 209-587-5033.

Sanger parade

Opening ceremonies honoring the U.S. Navy begin at 10:50 a.m. on Jensen and O streets and the parade begins at 11:11 a.m. 559-875-8387.

Wednesday, Nov. 8

San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery

An open house event is from 8 to 10 a.m. followed by the Forgotten Hero Memorial Service from 10 to 11 a.m. at the flag pole, 32053 W. McCabe Road in Santa Nella. Turlock Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5059 will conduct the service that honors three indigent veterans.

Friday, Nov. 10

Hubbard-Baro Memorial Golf Tournament

A flag salute will be held at 11:30 a.m. and shot gun begins at 11:45 a.m. at Fort Washington Golf & Country Club, 10272 N. Millbrook Ave. Registration costs $175 and includes dinner. www.hubbardbarogolf.com.

Saturday, Nov. 11

Clovis Veterans Memorial District

A pancake breakfast will be held 7 to 11 a.m. at 808 Fourth St., $7; a car show will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with live country music by Jason Cade; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Remembering Our Fallen” photographic war memorial exhibit and veterans memorabilia exhibit; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. veterans film festival; 11 a.m. a patriotic concert performed by the Clovis Community Band; 6 p.m. Veterans Day dinner and program.

Fresno Veterans Day Parade

Opening ceremonies begin at 11 a.m. in front of City Hall, 2600 Fresno St. The parade kicks off at 11:11 a.m. and the route will travel west on Fresno St., south on M St. and west on Tulare St. where it will end near Chukchansi Park.

Lemoore run/walk and parade

Veterans Day 5K run and 3K walk begin at 4 p.m. in the D Street Plaza downtown. The parade begins at 6 p.m. on D St. following the race. 559-924-6767.

Merced parade

An opening ceremony begins at noon at Bob Hart Square downtown. The parade begins at 1 p.m. on Main St. 209-385-7588.

Porterville run and parade

Veterans Day run begins at 7:30 a.m. downtown. Parade begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of Morton Ave. and Main St. and ends at Main St. and Walnut Ave. A moment of silence will be observed at 11 a.m. www.ci.porterville.ca.us/depts/ParksandLeisure/vetsrun.cfm.

Saturday, Nov. 18

Visalia parade

Begins at 10 a.m. at Main and Garden streets.

This story was originally published November 3, 2017 at 2:53 PM with the headline "Veterans Day events in central San Joaquin Valley."