Fresno Veterans Day Parade boasts several who fought in World War II

Several who are almost as old as the Fresno Veterans Day Parade were among the honorees Monday morning on downtown streets.

The parade began in 1919, the first year Veterans Day was observed, and only took a break during World War II. Organizers say it’s now acknowledged as the nation’s largest.

It switched to the federal holiday this year instead of its usual place on Nov. 11 to avoid conflicts with Sunday church services. Crowds reciprocated, lining most of the route many people deep on both sidewalks.

This year’s cast of honorees included Joseph Huerta of Clovis, 96, a World War II Army Air Corps veteran who earned a Purple Heart.

Norman Jansen, 100, who served in the Navy and the Marines during World War II, rode in a car on the route.

And World War II Army Air Corps veteran Don Hadland, 90, stood proudly on a float acknowledging the crowd.

This story was originally published November 12, 2018 at 2:35 PM.