Veterans Day Parade Will Continue Petaluma Tradition

A tradition started by a trio of World War I veterans will continue Monday afternoon in Petaluma.

The city's annual Veterans Day parade, which organizers say is the largest north of the Golden Gate, will start at 1 p.m. at Walnut Park near D and 4th streets.

The parade will head up 4th Street to Washington Street, turning right and returning to Walnut Park on Petaluma Boulevard North. The route can be viewed here.

During the parade, vintage military aircraft–including a restored Huey helicopter–will perform flyovers of the city.

The event traces its routes to 1967, when Julius Forcucci and two friends with whom he served in World War I walked the parade route, according to the event's website.

"In 1983 one friend died & the other was ill, so Forcucci walked alone carrying an American Flag in 1984 and 1985," the website states. "In 1986, 50 veterans joined him and the annual parade began."

Forcucci died in 1988 at the age of 94, according to organizers. That year, the parade was led by a riderless horse in his honor.

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Petaluma Veterans Day Parade
Noon - 1 p.m.: Music in the Walnut Park gazebo
1 p.m.: Parade begins
2:45 p.m.: Pearl Harbor Chaplain Herb Louden will lead a prayer in the park gazebo, followed by the pledge of allegiance, speakers and military anthems.

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