Vietnam Vets Look Forward to Parade
Military veterans are preparing for what has become a tradition in town, brushing old uniforms and polishing medals for the annual Patriots Day Parade.
Members of the Local Area Vietnam Veterans, formed in 1985 by Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Jim White, are encouraging veterans to participate in the March 2 event, which for some is an intensely personal experience.
“There’s a whole range of emotions,” White said, “especially for somebody who does it for the first time.”
This will be the 12th consecutive year that the Local Area Vietnam Veterans has taken part in the parade, which draws people of all ages and from a wide range of occupations.
“It just sort of strikes a chord for people,” said White, who served in the Army. “Everybody stands up for us. I think it’s just because, over the years, we’re finally being welcomed home . . . . [For] a lot of years, we weren’t.”
On the day of the event, veterans will gather at the Laguna Beach High School track in uniform or civilian dress at 10 a.m., an hour before the parade begins.
Information: (714) 497-0399 or 497-1861.
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