Last Saturday’s Long Beach Veterans Day Parade featured bands, military processionals, veterans groups, grand marshals, local dignitaries, children’s groups, law-enforcement vehicles and personnel as well as local businesses showing their appreciation for veterans.
At the conclusion of the parade, crowds gathered at Houghton Park for a Veterans Day Ceremony and annual Craft and Vendors Fair, hosted by Long Beach’s 9th District Councilperson Steven Neal. During the ceremony, Neal recognized World War II veteran Clarence Bramley as grand marshal, as well as Jeremy Boshnack and Nick Kalt as honorary grand marshals. Neal also presented 5th District Councilperson Gerrie Schipske a plaque of appreciation for her work as president of The Rosie the Riveter Foundation (right).
Also saluted were local “Rosie the Riveters,” including Marjorie Grommé and Mary Lou Millar (above right), who are both members of the Susan B. Anthony chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. “What an honor it was to be recognized as a former Rosie,” Grommé said. “It was a wonderful turnout for the parade on a simply gorgeous, sunny day.”
“The Veterans parade designating Rosie the Riveter as Grand Marshal was a wonderful way to celebrate the memory and contributions of the women who worked on the homefront during World War II,” Schipske said. “I was so proud to ride with them and grateful that the city of Long Beach and its residents were able in some small way to acknowledge how these women stepped up and did the jobs that helped win the war.”
Also part of the festivities was pre-ceremony entertainment provided by Rock 4 Vets Chorus, a musical salute to Veterans by the Long Beach Junior Concert Band, singing of the national anthem by Natoya Green and post-ceremony entertainment provided by the Jazz Angels.
