Long Beach will celebrate Veterans Day on Saturday, Nov. 6, beginning at 9am when the 14th Annual Long Beach Veterans Day Parade steps off at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Harding Street. The line of march will head south on Atlantic to 56th Street, turn and proceed back to Houghton Park.
Grand Marshal for this year’s event is World War II veteran Clarence Bramley, a North Long Beach native who served in the Air Force. While fighting with the Army in the Philippines, he was taken prisoner and was part of the infamous Bataan Death March.
“Rosie the Riveter” will also be honored in this year’s parade. “Rosie was the nickname used to describe the thousands of women who worked in the factories to produce the many products that made it possible for the United States to win WWII,” said Martha Thuente, coordinator of this year’s parade.
Again this year, the public is invited to participate in the Freedom Walk to honor our troops. The Freedom Walk group is the last unit in the parade. Participants can sign up in advance or on the day of the parade at Houghton Park, at Atlantic and Harding.
Post-parade activities at Houghton Park will include a brief ceremony honoring veterans, followed by musical entertainment. An area for young children will offer free arts and crafts and face painting, as well as other activities.
Sponsorships from private businesses are currently being sought. “The money that the City of Long Beach budgets for the event covers only the city services provided,” Thuente said. “We gladly accept donations.” To donate, email msthuente@hotmail.com.
Additional information and/or participation applications for the parade, freedom walk and vendor’s fair can be found at lbveteransdayparade.com.
