Modesto parade pays respect to veterans
Nine-year-old Michael Haflich dressed as a Navy SEAL for the Veterans Day parade in Modesto. He did it in honor of big brother Phillip, who is training in Florida for possible service in the elite unit.
Tuesday’s event was all about respect for people willing to defend the nation, from 90-something veterans of World War II to recruits who might someday be veterans of other conflicts.
“It’s a way to show your support for your country and for the people who have died,” said Denise Haflich, mother of Phillip and Michael, as the parade passed by on Needham Street.
Honor guards, musicians, classic cars and other entrants took part in the event, one of several marking Veterans Day in the Northern San Joaquin Valley. Modesto’s ended at Graceada Park, where a ceremony honored the service members and two dozen booths had information on health care and other assistance for them.
James Burbank, veterans service officer for Stanislaus County, recounted how the holiday was established as Armistice Day, marking the end of fighting in World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. It became a legal holiday 20 years later and got its current name after the Korean War.
“One of the things about Veterans Day is that there is no such thing as an insignificant veteran,” said Burbank, who served for 20 years in the Air Force. He said spouses of deceased vets are sometimes surprised that some services are available to them.
Richard Edgecomb, a member of the Stanislaus County Veterans Advisory Committee, told the crowd of the effort to create a one-stop site for veterans services and events.
The 20-plus booths in the park had information on education, health care, legal services and other help for veterans from government agencies and nonprofit groups.
Event co-chairman Ray Alli, an Army veteran of the Korean War and past commander of American Legion Post 74, said the holiday has drawn more attention since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. “In the past few years, there has been more camaraderie with the public and the veterans,” he said.
Diana Agundez of Atwater came to the Modesto parade to see 16-year-old nephew, Edward Perez, take part in the color guard from the Stanislaus Military Academy. She served in the Navy from 1982-86, which was not a time with major conflicts but still gave her a respect for the military.
“I was honored to serve my country,” she said. “It’s not a duty. It’s an honor.”
Bee staff writer John Holland can be reached at jholland@modbee.com or (209) 578-2385.
HOSPITAL HONORS VETS
Doctors Medical Center celebrated Tuesday’s holiday with roses for patients who are veterans and carnations for employees who have served in wartime, or whose children have served. The Modesto hospital also has a banner with messages about veterans written by staff members, patients and patient families, said Carin Sarkis, director of business development. It will be open to viewing by visitors for a while.
This story was originally published November 11, 2014 at 5:43 PM with the headline "Modesto parade pays respect to veterans."