San Jose — Thanks to a monumental effort from a number of companies, civic organizations and individuals, the 106th annual Veterans Day parade hit the streets of downtown San Jose on Monday despite the rain. The grand marshal for this year’s celebration was retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Stephen Hager, a native of Mountain View and a Santa Clara University alum who graduated with a degree in mathematics.
The celebration started with a ceremony at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, then traveled along Santa Clara Street to Market Street, where the parade turned south to finish at San Carlos Street. Here is a visual essay of the day that we honor our veterans.
Participants march during the Veterans Day parade in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
Kory Grabeel of Santa Cruz becomes emotional as she carries a portrait of her grandfather, veteran Joe Ashley, during the parade on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. Ashley served during World War II. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
Hien Nguyen, 77, of San Jose, and members of the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 201, carry an American flag during the Veterans Day parade in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
Retired U.S. Army Colonel Ray Watts, right, greets attendees during the Veterans Day parade in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
Participants wave American flags during the Veterans Day parade in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
Attendees watch the Veterans Day parade in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez waves to attendees during the Veterans Day parade in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
Members of the U.S. Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps march during the Veterans Day parade in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)