Under gray skies that broke now and then into warm sunlight, Petaluma’s annual Veterans Day Parade drew cheers, applause and shouts of “Thank you for your service!” on Tuesday as thousands gathered downtown to honor those who served.
“The parade seems extra special this year,” said parade director Joe Noriel midway through the long procession of military vehicles, classic cars, flatbed trucks and motorcycles — all punctuated by flyovers from a roaring Huey helicopter and a trio of low-flying planes. Despite what he called “an uncertain political climate,” Noriel said the community’s enthusiasm showed “our community embraces all veterans and recognizes the sacrifices they have made for our freedom.”
Once the parade got rolling down Kentucky Street and back along Petaluma Boulevard, marching bands and bagpipers joined the lineup. Veterans from all branches waved from classic cars as residents saluted, snapped photos and shouted thanks.
A long procession of “Vets in Corvettes” drew special cheers, each car labeled with the veteran’s name and branch of service, as they sat high and took in the ovations of the crowd.
This year’s parade paid special tribute to women of the armed forces — a group Noriel said now numbers more than 2.1 million and represents the fastest-growing segment of U.S. veterans.
Among the most cheered contingents was a convoy from the American Indian Preservation Fund, featuring two 20-foot hand-carved redwood dugout canoes honoring Native American veterans. They were accompanied by “Drums of Kottomein,” ten eagle-feather battle staffs, a medicine staff and a portable redwood sweat lodge, all decorated with banners celebrating Indigenous service members.
Before the parade began, Cherry Valley Elementary teacher Mike Watt moved through the staging area with a handful of thank-you cards drawn by his students. “I’ve been doing this with my students for about 10 years,” he said, estimating that 60 to 100 kids made cards this year. “It’s a great opportunity for kids to say thanks to those who’ve given so much for our country.”
Walking the length of the staging area — which began at Walnut Park and stretched along Fourth Street to well past Wickersham Park — Watt approached anyone who looked like a veteran, offering a card and a few words of thanks.
He said the reactions are often emotional — hugs, tears, even follow-up calls from veterans moved by the gesture. “Last year, I gave a card to a guy that was so moved, he called the school up a few days later and donated thousands of dollars in camera equipment,” Watt said. “I’ve heard from people who’ve kept their card in a place of honor for years.”
In past years, large groups of Coast Guard personnel from the nearby training center have marched in the parade and helped with logistics. But the ongoing government shutdown limited their participation this year. Noriel said some were allowed to appear in uniform while others volunteered in civilian clothes.
“It was disappointing the Coast Guard couldn’t be here officially,” he said, “but the bond with the community and cadets is stronger than ever.”