WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - It is crucial to honor and remember those who have served their country and to keep their legacy and memories alive.

That is why every Nov. 11, Americans celebrate Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to the 19.5 million American heroes who have served in the U.S. military, according to the United Service Organization. The holiday is celebrated on the 11th day of the 11th month to commemorate the moment the armistice ending World War I was signed.

In honor of Veterans Day, the West Sacramento Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 8762 invites all residents to honor those who have served at its annual Veterans Day Parade.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post Commander of Post 8762 Leo Alatorre emphasized the importance of the event and what it means to the community.

“This event is to showcase our local veterans and let the community honor those who have given so much to our country,” Alatorre said. “It’s a great way for the community to honor, respect and highlight those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 at 1100 Clarendon St. The route will veer toward Westacre Road, going down Park Boulevard and ending at the corner of Stone and Deerwood streets. 

Preceding the parade will be a pancake breakfast held by the Boy Scouts of America Troop 49 at 8:30 a.m. at the parade staging area at 1100 Clarendon St. The breakfast is offered to parade participants and onlookers.

Brian Stiger, Jr., a Veterans Day Parade Committee member, said there were at least 550 spectators at 2023’s parade, and they expect no less this year. There were 100 vehicles in the parade, ranging from vehicles, trucks, boats, floats and more, Stiger said.

“Residents of all ages tend to enjoy the event,” Stiger said. “Lots of parade watchers bring their kids and candy gets thrown out.”

Stiger mentioned that midway through the parade, there will be a vendor area at Trinity Presbyterian Church at 1500 Park Blvd., where church staff will sell coffee, hot chocolate, muffins and cookies to parade-goers. Speakers from various local organizations will pay their respects, as well.

According to Alatorre, the parade will feature motorcycle clubs, the Police Department, the Sheriff's Office and veterans from World War I, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

Following the parade will be a Heroes Lunch at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8762, located at 905 Drever St. in West Sacramento. Post 8762 will charge $12 per plate but it’s free for veterans. The Veterans of Foreign Wars requests IDs be brought. The Heroes Lunch will feature jazz music and a bar opening at noon, which will serve until sold out. All are welcome at the lunch.

“The VFW is a nonprofit dedicated to helping Veterans and their families. We feature a venue for booking private events, bar, kitchen, and we regularly host public events like karaoke, trivia and more. All proceeds go to helping Veterans in need,” the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8762 website reads.

For more information or to contact Post 8762, visit https://westsacvfw.com or email [email protected]. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8762 accepts donations to support local veterans through Venmo @vfwpost8762.