There are rare events in the Central Valley that have lasted for longer than a decade, much less a full century.
The quick list includes The Big Fresno Fair and Christmas Tree Lane, the Clovis Rodeo and ... the Central Valley Veteran’s Day Parade, which has run continuously since 1919. Back then, it was known as the Armistice Day Parade and celebrated those returning at the end of World War I.
There was a brief hiatus in 1944, when the downtown Fresno parade was abandoned because of “war time shortages of gasoline and tires,” but even then, the celebration went on, with ceremonies held between halves of an afternoon college football game at Ratcliffe Stadium, according to a story in The Fresno Bee.
Following the U.S. involvement in World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day (and its accompanying parades and celebrations) was rebranded as Veterans Day and became a celebration of all those who have served across all branches of the United States military.
In Fresno, the day continues to be celebrated with a parade through downtown Fresno, which runs three-plus hours and can draw tens of thousands of spectators each year.
This year’s parade featured thousands of participants marching from its start at Fresno City Hall.
There were veteran organizations, but also classic cars groups, school color guards and marching bands. While parade honors all branches of service, the Navy held the honor of being this year’s theme, with U.S. Navy Capt. A. Covarrubias serving as Grand Marshall.
Veterans and their families wave from an American Legion Post 509 float during the 105th annual Central Valley Veterans Day Parade in downtown Fresno on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Boy Scouts from Clovis’ Troop 257 carry a giant American flag to start the 105th annual Central Valley Veterans Day Parade in downtown Fresno on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Fall foliage in the trees adds color at the Fresno Water Tower as parade-watchers line Fresno Street to take in the sights and sounds of the 105th annual Central Valley Veterans Day Parade in downtown Fresno on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Kids wave flags as a Fresno County Sheriff’s Department armored vehicle passes during the 105th annual Central Valley Veterans Day Parade in downtown Fresno on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Members of the Fresno State Army ROTC march together during the 105th annual Central Valley Veterans Day Parade in downtown Fresno on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Stars and Stripes were the colors of the day as American flags proudly waved during the 105th annual Central Valley Veterans Day Parade in downtown Fresno on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Parade-watchers take in the sights and sounds as Roosevelt High School’s marching band turns the corner at Fresno and P street during the 105th annual Central Valley Veterans Day Parade in downtown Fresno on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
This story was originally published November 11, 2024 at 3:04 PM.
Joshua Tehee covers breaking news for The Fresno Bee, writing on a wide range of topics from police, politics and weather, to arts and entertainment in the Central Valley.
