Along Harbor Boulevard, across from Ralphs near Hillcrest Park, families gathered to watch the parade that started on Berkeley Avenue on Wednesday, November 11, at 10 am. The parade, which lasted just over eight minutes, was held to honor our nation’s veterans.

Although brief, the parade was full of spirit. The Troy High School band and guard delivered an impressive performance, and the Troy High School Warrior ROTC and Fullerton High School Red Hawk Battalion showcased their remarkable marching cadences and formations. The veterans who participated were heartwarming figures, and the excitement of the children waiting along the route added to the atmosphere.

After the parade, around a hundred or so people gathered to attend the city’s Veterans Day ceremony. Upon arriving at Hillcrest Park, attendees settled into rows of chairs set up by the city on a lawn that was still damp and, in some areas, muddy. The sun beat down relentlessly, providing little relief from the heat. Unfortunately, the warmth took a toll on some attendees. A few Troy High School ROTC students, dressed in full uniform, collapsed during the ceremony and found themselves needing assistance.

Despite these challenges, the ceremony had its highlights. The singers were wonderful, earning some of the day’s warmest applause. The speeches were concise, with speakers focusing on the significance of the occasion. Members of the Fullerton Police and Fire Departments, along with city staff and several City Council members, came to pay their respects. This was the second year that the City of Fullerton has organized the Veterans Day event independently.