SAN DIEGO — Floats, marching bands, and cars participated to commemorate those who served in the military at Sunday’s San Diego Veterans Day parade.
“Remembering the sacrifices that were made to protect our country,” Veteran Spouse, Leticia Avila said.
The parade made its return after a three-year pause, to honor our servicemen and women who fought for freedom.
“There is a lot of people who stayed behind and never came back and those are the heroes,” Navy Veteran, Leonardo Avila said.
Veterans Day is a time to pay tribute to the sacrifices brave soldiers have made throughout the years to protect the United States. Sandy Luhnow was at the parade, for her Veterans Day is a way to honor her husband who was killed in 1967 in Vietnam.
“You are a hero when you serve a country and you sign that paper and you say you will give everything which includes your life,” Luhnow said.
For veterans, it's also a time to remember those who are no longer here.
“Certainly miss the ones that we left behind or that were left behind that were wounded and this is our way of acknowledging them and celebrating their service,” Navy Veteran Jack Kline said.
San Diego County has a large population of former and retired military members, their service is a bond that unites them like family.
“Well, we're a band of brothers and sisters,” Kline said.
The San Diego Veterans Day parade started in 1987 and is dedicated to honoring the contributions of military veterans.