Redlands Honors Veterans with Annual Parade, Ceremony

At 11:11 a.m. on the dot, Lt. Michael Montanez ended his speech to a standing ovation and roaring applause, American flags waving all around. Hundreds filled Jennie Davis Park Tuesday morning, Nov. 11 - Veterans Day - for the second annual Veterans Day Parade and ceremony, where Montanez, veterans and dignitaries spoke. Raised in Redlands, Montanez, a member of the Army National Guard, was transferred to active duty Air Force after graduating from Redlands High School in 2003. After serving six years in the Air Force, he transferred to the Army, where he completed 10 years of service. Montanez served two tours in Iraq. Montanez told a touching story of his desire to enter the military, a calling made stronger after the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. In his speech, Montanez recalled an experience where he and his company were attacked by enemy forces. As the truck gunner, Montanez transported a priority casualty in his vehicle back to base nearby, realizing the severely wounded man he transported was a close friend of his. Back at base, the team "regrouped," he said. "I took a moment to look around that group of individuals I was with," said Montanez, his voice choked at the memory. "I thought how lucky I was to be with such a cohesive, dynamic group... For many [veterans], their time in service has ended. However, like the oaths we took, our training and skills are lifelong. A new generation of tactical intellectuals and dynamic thinkers has been born in an era known as the Post 9/11 Global War on Terrorism generation. Qualities and experiences that have engaged my service cannot be attained anywhere else, all of which makes veterans a valuable asset to our country, our community and our organizations." Prior to the ceremony, a community parade made its way through town, beginning at Redlands High School. This year's Parade Grand Marshal was Daniel Gonzales, a Redlands native who was drafted into the Army in September 1942. Gonzales was a staff sergeant by the time his unit reached England and was assigned as part of the third wave to hit Normandy. The audience applauded Gonzales when he said, "We fought the greatest enemy there ever was: Adolf Hitler. And we defeated him." Tuesday's ceremony was officiated by Mick Gallagher of American Legion Post 106. A POW/MIA Ceremony was conducted by Steve Thomas and John Vindiola from American Legion Post 650, with musical selections played by the Redlands 4th of July Band, led by Curtiss Allen Sr. A Flag Raising Ceremony was conducted by the Redlands Police and Fire Honor Guard, with the invocation led by Ed Chacon, Chaplain, American Legion Post 650. Joe McGinn, Commander of American Legion Post 106 led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, Bradley Rehome of American Legion Post 106 led the National Anthem, and auxiliary units from post 106 and 650 performed the ceremonial placement of the wreath. Gallagher gave recognition to the Gold Star Mothers, Steve Bell of American Legion Post 106 gave the closing prayer and the Post 650 Firing Squad, led by Captain Pete Zavala and Jon Kruger Bugler, Post 106, performed the 21 Gun Salute and TAPs. Veterans Denis La Bine, who served in the Navy and the Army, and Herman Fullgrabe, an Army Vietnam veteran, attended Tuesday. Fullgrabe's wife, Sandi, a French Horn player with the Redlands 4th of July band, touched on the meaning of the day for her. "It reminds me of the sacrifice that he made," Sandi said. "I love being in this band and being able to celebrate what all these men and women have contributed to our country. And I'm proud of him," she ended, motioning to her husband. Following the ceremony, residents, veterans and visitors were invited to enjoy live music, food and beverage vendors, view classic cars and military vehicles, and a kid zone to end the event.