Big salute to veterans at San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade

The San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade honored all veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces at the 23rd annual march on Wednesday in Mission Hills. Thousands cheered for family members, friends, and veterans who served in any military branch at any time.

The parade prelude was kicked off by the LAPD Motorcycle Drill Team and then, at the “11nth hour of the eleventh day of the 11th month” the parade officially started its 1.1-mile journey on Laurel Canyon Boulevard. The hallmark of the parade is only veterans and immediate family ride on the route that ended on Paxton Street.

Members of the Jewish War Veterans Post 603 San Fernando Valley rode in the parade as the “2026 Grand Marshal(s).”

Marine Corps veteran Fred A. Flores, founder and president of the venerable parade, said in a press release that members of the post “deserve recognition for their distinguished military service and their continued dedication to serving our community.”

There were a total of seven honorary grand marshals who served during various times including the “Cold” War, Korean War, and Vietnam War eras, and also Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The “area’s largest Veterans Day event” — held always on the federal holiday, Nov. 11 — included an LAPD Air Support helicopter flyover, and a flyover by a squadron of vintage AT-6 Texan aircraft, used for training mission during World War II, and marching bands.

The opening ceremony at 10:40 a.m. was watched by local elected officials and other dignitaries from a reviewing stand at the corner of Laurel Canyon and Brand boulevards.

sfvveteransdayparade.com