Thousands Line Streets, Park for Veterans Day Parade

Thousands lined the streets approaching Town Square Park Wednesday for the 13th annual Murrieta Veterans Day Parade. Murrieta 24/7 photos: Doug Spoon

True to their tradition of turning out in large numbers for patriotic events, thousands of residents of Murrieta and surrounding communities lined the streets Wednesday for the 13th annual Murrieta Veterans Day Parade.

Local dignitaries, high school bands and youth groups joined in the parade saluting Military veterans of all ages. Many other veterans were in the crowd along Washington Avenue, B Street and Town Square Park, where the event culminated in the dedication of a memorial to the city's fallen war heroes. A field of honor featured hundreds of flags spread throughout the park.

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Carlos Garcia (left), who lost both legs in battle, served as Grand Marshal.

"This shows that our city continues to have a small-town feel, even as our city grows to over 100,000," said Murrieta mayor Randon Lane. "We still have so many who still come out to the parade and enjoy it. It shows our close-knit community feel."

Lane joined fellow City Council member Rick Gibbs, an Air Force veteran, as speakers during the ceremony honoring fallen heroes from the city. Many in the crowd were young children, brought to the event by their parents to learn about the importance of military service and to pay tribute to the veterans.

"The Field of Honor, the Veterans Week, the parade ... I think our memorial and our Field of Honor is second to none," Lane said. "I don't think anybody does it better than the City of Murrieta."

To view our photo gallery of the event, visit our Facebook page here.