Time to say thank you

<p>Petaluma takes time out to honor and give a whole-hearted “thank you” to U.S. service men and women at the North Bay Veterans Day Parade on Friday, Nov. 11.</p><p>The largest of its kind in Northern California, the North Bay Veterans Day Parade draws crowds of up to 30,000 people each year who come to watch the nearly two-hour parade of military vehicles, a T-34 Russian tank, classic cars carrying veterans, marching bands, emergency vehicles, mounted posses, color guards and drill teams, as well as flyovers by a Huey helicopter and antique war planes.</p><p>The number of parade entries keeps growing every year. Last year's event had 120 entries, which was double from the previous year. Steve Kemmerle, parade coordinator from American Legion Post No. 28, said participation in this year's parade has dramatically risen to 200 entries.</p><p>“It keeps getting bigger every year,” said Kemmerle. “We've gone from about 60 entries to 200, so we must be doing something right. People love the parade.”</p><p>The financial situation of the parade has also improved. Just a couple years ago, the parade was in serious jeopardy of cancellation after Petaluma city officials said they could no longer afford police overtime and other expenses associated with the parade, and asked the American Legion to come up with the money to cover the cost of having city services at the event. Thanks to individual and business contributions, the parade was saved.</p><p>“The finances are better now, but we can always use more financial support,” said Kemmerle. “The city cost keeps going up every year. Last year, it cost $500 more than the previous year. The total cost this year is $27,000.”</p><p>Kemmerle said that a number of companies have stepped up and donated to the parade this year. He said that any funds above and beyond the current parade cost are put toward putting on the next parade.</p><p>The 2011 grand marshal of the North Bay Veterans Day Parade is Gen. Richard Hearney, a retired four-star U.S. Marine Corp. general who served as the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps from 1994 to 1996.</p><p>A native of Petaluma, Hearney was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1962 following completion of the Platoon Leaders Class program. He holds a bachelor's degree from Stanford University and an master's degree from Pepperdine University. He graduated from the Naval War College in June 1980.</p><p>Hearney has commanded at the squadron, air group, and air wing level. During Desert Shield and Desert Storm he served as deputy commander, I Marine Expeditionary Force. </p><p>He has served as deputy director, J-3, U.S. European Command as well as deputy chiefs of staff for Requirements and Programs, and Aviation at Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C.</p><p>Kemmerle said that also participating in the parade are Congressman Mike Thompson, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, Assemblyman Jared Huffman, City Council members and many other local dignitaries.</p><p>This year marks the 100th anniversary of Naval Aviation, so weather permitting, there will be seven U.S. Navy planes doing a flyover of the parade. The Navy planes include a Stearman, T6, T28C, FAU Corsair, RNZN Hawker Sea Fury, Bearcat F8F and a Harpon PV2 Bomber. In addition, antique war planes and three helicopters — Huey, U.S. Coast Guard and Sonoma Sheriff — will do flyovers depending on the weather.</p><p>The Veterans Day Parade begins on Fourth Street at D Street and continues north on Kentucky Street, turns right on Washington Street and right on Petaluma Boulevard. The parade then continues south to D Street.</p><p>After the parade, at approximately 2:30 p.m., there will be a Veterans Day ceremony in Walnut Park, at the corner of Petaluma Boulevard and D Street. The 30-minute ceremony will include a welcome by Mayor David Glass, performance of the original song, “Phoenix,” by a Vietnam veteran and a speech by Gen. Hearney.</p><p>Weather permitting, the Huey helicopter will be landing on the McNear Peninsula in Steamer Landing Park from 2:40 to 4 p.m. for those interested in seeing the helicopter up close.</p><p>Call 762-5710 for more information or visit www.petalumaveteransflyin.com.</p><p>(Contact Yovanna Bieberich at yovanna.bieberich@arguscourier.com)</p>