Petaluma honors veterans at 40th annual parade
PETALUMA, Calif. (KGO) -- Thousands of people lined the streets of downtown Petaluma on Veterans Day for the city's 40th annual Veterans Day Parade, a celebration honoring past, present and future members of the U.S. armed forces.
The event, billed as the largest Veterans Day celebration north of the Golden Gate Bridge, brought together veterans, military families and community members to recognize the service and sacrifices of those who served.
"It's so important for the men and women who served our country. Just to be honored," said Petaluma resident Laura Overzet.
Overzet said military service has touched multiple generations of her family.
"My father-in-law is 91 and he was in the army. My dad was a navy veteran. And my son was a marine veteran," she said.
Among those recognized during the parade was World War II veteran Ted Moneymaker.
MORE: 'He saved my life': US Veteran's service dog wakes owner up before he had a serious stroke
"I was in the army. I was in the 18-year-old draft in World War II," Moneymaker said.
Reflecting on his service and fellow soldiers, he added: "The guys I was with overseas are not here anymore. I'm for them."
Parade organizers said there are approximately 42,000 World War II veterans still living in the United States and emphasized the importance of recognizing them, along with veterans from other generations.
"This is our opportunity to thank the WWII vets, the Korean vets, the Vietnam vets and everyone who served while they are still around," said parade organizer Joe Noriel.
Organizers said the annual event serves as a reminder of the contributions made by members of the military and the importance of preserving those stories for future generations.
For many attendees, the day was personal.
MORE: Remains of World War II veteran finally buried in Bay Area after 80 years as an 'unknown soldier'
Petaluma resident Rick Klarkowski attended in honor of his father.
"I'm honoring my father. He served 24 years in the military. Survived eight beach landings in the pacific. He was in the medical corps," Klarkowski said.
"He served all over the pacific. Just very proud of him and his service to our country so we are honoring him today."
Klarkowski said he hopes community support for veterans remains strong.
"We hope that it continues," he said.
The parade concluded with a continued show of appreciation for veterans of all eras, as community members gathered to recognize the men and women whose military service helped shape American history.
