November 17, 2006

Thousands refuse to let a few drops rain on their parade

San Jose City mayor elect Chuck Reed and his daughter Major Kim Campbell of the United States Air Force wave to the crowd while riding down Market Street during the 88th annual Veterans Day parade in San Jose on Saturday.
A group of Mothers with active Military serving overseas march down Martel street during the 88th annual Veterans Day parade in San Jose on Saturday.

Despite stormy skies, thousands from the very young to the very old turned out last Saturday to honor our nation’s veterans at the 88th annual San Jose Veteran’s Day Parade. The nearly two-hour parade, one of the largest in the nation, featured decorated veterans, politicians, JR ROTC cadets, school bands, dance troops and even karate masters.

Mayor-elect Chuck Reed sat proudly next to his daughter Kim Campbell in a convertible on the parade route. Campbell, a captain in the Air Force, has flown more than 100 combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Approximately 200 numbered units marched or drove their vehicles through the streets of downtown San Jose to honor veterans of all wars and pay tribute to military personnel and their families, while raincoat-wearing, parade-goers cheered from the sidelines. —Photos by Dan Miranda