Breaking news: 2023 Veterans Parade in downtown Gilroy will have “Our True Heroes” theme
Gilroy Veterans Day Parade seeks sponsors and entries
A Color Guard marches in downtown Gilroy during a past Veterans Day event.
This story is based on a press release dated August 30, 2023
By Staff Report
With “Our True Heroes” as the theme for the 2023 Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 1 p.m., Gilroyans will be able to celebrate family and friends who have served our country.
An Army Jeep in the 2022 Veterans Day Parade in Gilroy. Photo by Marty Cheek
“Our first Veterans Day Parade in 2022 was a huge success,” said Genny Flores, a Parade Committee member. “The community went all out. We had veterans walking, riding in classic cars, on motorcycles and bicycles. The Jace Hider family even recreated the famous Iwo Jima image of solders raising the flag. We are expecting big things this year.”
Community organizations, local businesses, schools and clubs are encouraged to apply to participate in the Parade. Musical units, color guards, marching units, vehicles, floats, and equestrian/animal units will all need to have a patriotic flavor and pay tribute to our veterans. The entry rules and conditions, as well as the application, is available on the Gilroy Veterans Hall web site (www.GilroyVeteransHall.org under community events/Veterans Day 2023). Entry deadline is Oct. 27.
The parade will start at 7th Street and Monterey and travel north to 4th and Monterey. Staging will be in Gourmet Alley. All parade entries must display patriotism with decorations and/or music selection.
The entry fee is free, thanks to generous donors such as Mayor Marie Blankley, Gardner Health Services, MG Construction & Engineers, Jay Johnson & Associates, and Build Site Services. But more donations are still needed. Companies and individuals interested in sponsoring the Parade can contact the Parade Committee at (408) 842-3838 or visit the Gilroy Vets Hall web site (www.GilroyVeteransHall.org under community events/Veterans Day 2023).
There will also be other activities throughout the month to celebrate and honor veterans including the Veterans Day Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 11:11 am in front of the new “Home of the Brave” mural at the Gilroy Veterans Hall hosted by the American Legion Post 217.
During the month of November, the 6th Street Studios and Art Center will also host a Veterans Art Exhibit, with the Third Friday Art Walk opening reception. In addition, the Gilroy Elks Lodge will host its annual Veterans Dinner Celebration. More details on each activity will be available on the Hall web site as well.