American flags in hand, San Diegans lined the Embarcadero Friday to honor U.S. military veterans at the 30th Annual San Diego Veterans Day Parade.
The one-mile parade route began at 11 a.m. on North Harbor Drive, near the Fountain Plaza in front of the County Administration Building.
The parade then made its way south past the B Street Pier, left onto Broadway and right onto Pacific Highway before ending on G Street. Veterans and service members marched alongside floats, waving and smiling to spectators.
Grandstands were positioned along the route with "Honor Seating" reserved for veterans and their families.
For Bob Damon, a 94-year-old retired U.S. Army Colonel, the event was very special. As a survivor of Pearl Harbor, the Korean War and Vietnam, he was happy to see the support for veterans at the parade.
"I think it’s so wonderful, here in San Diego, that the people turn out to say not only ‘Thank you’ to the veterans but, more importantly, ‘You are not forgotten,’" he told NBC 7.
"That is so important in today’s world, that people remember what veterans did – not that they lost their lives, but why they fought," he added.
Local
The San Diego Veterans Day Parade is one of many special events happening in San Diego Friday to thank our military for their service and sacrifices. Many local businesses are celebrating the holiday by offering freebies and deals to veterans and active duty service members.
