Craig Grays of VFW Post 948 helps a fellow veteran onto the parade float during the annual Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11 in Marysville. Crowds lined D Street as local veterans’ groups rode together in a procession honoring those who served. Photo by Shamaya Sutton

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - The Veterans Day Parade returned to Marysville on Tuesday (Nov.11) with its biggest turnout in 11 years, according to members of American Legion Steven M. Brammer Post 705. Post Commander Mark Carlson and a dozen fellow veterans waved, saluted and smiled from atop their vintage Vietnam-era “deuce and a half” cargo truck as thousands packed the sidewalks.

“We use this vehicle in basically all the parades,” Carlson said. “As we go we make sure to salute all the other veterans as we see them, and they will salute you back… When you look out at the people, one thing you’re going to notice is you can feel the love of the people looking up and thanking you.”

For many of the retired service members, especially Vietnam veterans, that affection carries a deeper weight. Legion members shared memories of being spit on and cursed at during their service or upon returning home.

“The Vietnam conflict was a very political one, for large part because of the draft,” said Legion member Ruben Gomez. “But today is a good day for us.”

Children wave American flags from a parade float during the Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11 in Marysville. More than 100 entries, including youth groups and local schools, took part in this year’s event. Photo by Chris Pedigo

The streets were shoulder-to-shoulder with families waving flags and cheering, and the parade roster was just as full. More than 100 entries — nearly the maximum the downtown route can accommodate — rolled through the corridor this year.

The ceremony opened with the national anthem performed by Pam Souza, followed by a moment of silence and the playing of Taps by six buglers: Michael Moore, Will Rickey, Manny Serda, Angel Salas, EverLynn Sutton and Brock Bowen.

Afterward, the convoy began heading south down D Street, led by one of the day’s most honored guests, Sergeant First Class Obie Wickersham. A World War II and Korean War veteran and former POW, Wickersham rode in a restored WWII jeep while spectators cheered. His military history spans nearly every major operation of the era, from the beachhead at Anzio and Operation Market Garden to surviving the 500-mile “Death March” to a Chinese POW camp during the Korean War.

A young parade-goer presents a thank-you letter to Obie Wickersham, a World War II and Korean War veteran and former POW, during the Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11 in Marysville. Wickersham greeted families from a restored WWII jeep as the parade made its way down D Street. Photo by Chris Pedigo

This year’s grand marshal, T.J. Fetters, followed close behind. Fetters is a retired Air Force master sergeant whose three-decade military career included assignments in Vietnam, Thailand, England, Japan and Beale Air Force Base, earning multiple commendations and meritorious service medals. He has served on the Veterans Day Parade Committee for 20 years.

From there the parade flowed through a long lineup of community groups, marching units, classic vehicles and local agencies. The Lindhurst High School Air Force JROTC Honor Guard led the parade this year, carrying the colors in place of active-duty military units, which were unable to participate due to the federal shutdown.

Youth and school groups were also widely represented. The Mary Covillaud Spirit Team, multiple Cub Scout and Boy Scout packs, Girl Scouts Heart of Central California, the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps and local 4-H clubs filled the route with students waving flags and greeting veterans. Marching bands from River Valley High School, Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts and Lindhurst High School added music and movement throughout the morning.

Local agencies including the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office, Sutter County Sheriff’s Office, Marysville Fire Department, Meals on Wheels Yuba-Sutter, Yuba-Sutter Veterans Services and multiple civic organizations also participated.

The River Valley High School Falcon Marching Band performs along D Street during the Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11 in Marysville. The band was one of several school groups participating in this year’s procession. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Classic tractor drivers from across the region showcased a long row of restored Farmalls, John Deeres, Allis Chalmers, Fords and Case models, many pulling patriotic displays or honoring veterans. Businesses, senior groups, pageant royalty, and cultural organizations such as the Friends of the Marysville Bok Kai Temple and the Sons of Norway Snowshoe Thompson Lodge added to the diversity of entries. Even a 937-pound pumpkin made an appearance as the Sons of Norway float moved through the heart of downtown.

Though active-duty military personnel were absent this year because of the federal budget standoff, the size and enthusiasm of the community turnout stood out. Organizers said the crowd was one of the largest in recent memory, and the broad mix of youth groups, veterans organizations, schools and civic agencies served as a testament to the region’s long-standing respect for those who have served.