Redlands celebrates Veterans Day with parade honoring Vietnam Veterans

REDLANDS, Calif.  — The Redlands Hometown Heroes Foundation, together with the city, celebrated Veterans Day with a parade and ceremony that honored all veterans, with a special tribute to Vietnam veterans for their service and sacrifice.

The day began with a parade starting at Redlands High School and ending at Jennie Davis Park, with U.S. Army Platoon Sergeant Tom Jackson as grand marshal. The procession featured local dignitaries, bagpipers, colorful floats, school bands, scout troops, classic cars, automobile clubs, ROTC units, and military vehicles, creating a vibrant tribute as it moved along the route.

After the parade, veterans, their families, and community members gathered at Jennie Davis Park for a ceremony hosted by American Legion Posts 106 and 650.

Mick Gallagher, former City Council member, served as master of ceremonies, guiding an event that included a Huey helicopter flyover, a POW/MIA observance, and the posting of colors by the Redlands Police & Fire Honor Guard.

James Lujan, chaplain of Post 650, led the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by John Vindiola, commander of Post 650. Debbie Pritsman sang the national anthem, and Mayor Eddie Tejeda offered welcoming remarks.

Grand Marshal Jackson shared stories from his years of service and reflected, saying, “As we leave here today, we carry a renewed gratitude for the freedom we enjoy and an understanding of the price paid to secure it. Let us honor our veterans not just with words but through actions that show commitment to their legacy.”

Guest speakers Ron Dorres and Jim Eastwood, both U.S. Army veterans, also shared their experiences. Dorres, highlighting a lifelong dedication to service, encouraged healing within the nation. Eastwood spoke emotionally about the significance of being a veteran, saying, “All veterans have one thing in common: at one time or another, we raised our right hand to defend the Constitution that guarantees our freedom.”

The ceremony featured a musical salute to the Armed Services by the Patriot Horns and a ceremonial wreath placement by Judith Golding, President of Auxiliary Unit 106, and Linda Navarro, President of Auxiliary Unit 650, with recognition given to Gold Star Mothers.

James Lujan offered a closing prayer, followed by a 21-gun salute from the Post 650 Firing Squad.

The ceremony concluded with a moving rendition of taps played by retired USAF Captain John Krueger, as the community came together to honor the sacrifices of veterans across generations.