Downtown San Antonio parade salutes veterans

Sam Antonio Police Cadets carry giant U.S. Flag in Veterans Parade, Nov. 9, 2019/KTSA Photo- Elizabeth Ruiz

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) – More than a hundred military marching units, bands, floats and decorates vehicles were part of the 20th annual U.S. Military Veterans Parade Saturday.

Central Catholic-Providence High School Band, Veterans Parade/KTSA Photo-Elizabeth Ruiz

Retired Major General Angela Salinas led the way as the Grand Marshal. After 39 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, she retired and currently serves as CEO of Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas.

Color Guard, Veterans Parade, Nov. 9, 2019/KTSA News-Elizabeth Ruiz

Ninety-year-old Thomas Fajardo, who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, was Honorary Grand Marshal, along with World War II Veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor Gilbert Meyer.

Thomas Fajardo, Honorary Grand Marshal, Veterans Parade, Nov. 9, 2019/KTSA Photo-Elizabeth Ruiz

A wreath-laying ceremony at the Alamo preceded the Veterans Parade.

Esther Garcia, President of the U.S. Military Veterans Parade Association, says it’s important to honor those who have served, those who are serving and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.