WATSONVILLE — The annual Veterans Day march through Watsonville is always a poignant event, a time when men and women who served in the military walk down Main Street to the Watsonville Veterans Memorial Building on East Beach Street.
The procession on Sunday was led by Watsonville Police and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, and trailed by a small fleet of vintage Watsonville Fire trucks.
All of this was to the applause, high-fives and words of appreciation from dozens of onlookers who watched the parade from the sidewalks.
Sunday’s event took on particular significance, falling as it did on the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, when World War I ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
As such, when American Legion Post 121 member Michael Baker took the stage and rang the bell 11 times, it was a tribute to the last man killed in that war – an American – just one minute before the Armistice of Compiègne was signed.
Richard Sauer, who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War in in the 4th Infantry Division, said he appreciated the support he saw from the crowd.
“It brings back a lot of pride in our country, the fact that people showed up and acknowledged our service,” he said. “I think there should be more emphasis put on this holiday.”
Juan Hernandez served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Quantico, Va. as a weapons instructor. He said he enjoys the camaraderie he finds during the ceremony.
“To be with other veterans, and to show support for all my brothers,” he said. “We’re here to show pride in our service.”
Santa Cruz County Supervisor Greg Caput said that Veterans Day is a time to honor those who served in wars from WWI to the current overseas conflicts, and to remember the impact of that service.
“Just imagine what the world would look like if the U.S. military did not enter the wars,” he said. “It would be totally different.”
