San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade pays tribute to service members
MISSION HILLS, Calif. (KABC) -- The annual San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade made its way along Laurel Canyon Boulevard in a mile-long expression of gratitude for their service.
The parade began at 11:11 a.m. at the intersection of Laurel Canyon Boulevard and San Fernando Mission Boulevard and made its way south for 1.1 miles to Ritchie Valens Park.
Veterans' rode in convertibles and pickup trucks festooned with American flags, waving to onlookers who showed their appreciation.
"It's a very special, special day, probably one of the most special days of my life," Marine Corps. veteran Michael Curiel told ABC7. "I remember the people I was with all the time. They're always in my mind and in my heart. So it brings some joy that I can bring them back in my head.
"I dream about them at night sometimes, periodically," Curiel added. "It never goes away."
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was among the local elected officials in attendance.
"I just think that it's critically important that the veterans that are in Los Angeles understand that we respect and honor their service, and we need to have this opportunity to thank them," Bass said in an interview. "But to me, one of the biggest ways to thank the veterans is to make sure that there are no homeless veterans in this city of Los Angeles."
LA Fire and Police Veterans Association looks to help and unite service members
