FRESNO, CA -- In celebrating its 100th year of the Veterans Parade, the City of Fresno unveiled an historic Memorial to service men who sacrificed their lives, (watch excerpts of both celebrations above.)
Friday Nov. 8 began the appreciation program for the permanent Memorial outside of City Hall donated by residents and the City of Fresno. The 100th anniversary parade kicked off on Monday, Nov. 11, highlighting local marching bands, elected officials, local community supporters, and military veterans.
The weekend of celebrations reminded residents of the cost of freedom, the sorrow of sacrifice, and the appreciation for All veterans once overlooked; Vietnam War veterans were once scorned by the public when coming back from a losing war.
The Tuskegee Airmen of World War II were not recognized as full citizens in the United States and were racially segregated. It wasn't until years later were these veterans recognized for also risking their lives as American citizens. They were not only pilots, but they were also navigators, bombardiers, mechanics, instructors, crew chiefs, nurses, and cooks.
The pilots who were the first to risk their lives, the first to go into air-combat missions for the US Army Air Forces were known as The Red Tails.
The Tuskegee Airmen of World War II were highlighted during the 100th Veterans Parade celebration.
Viewers can watch rebroadcast of above video on CMAC Comcast Channel 93 and AT&T Channel 99 Monday evening 8:00 PM-10:00 PM, Wednesday night, 9:00 PM -11:00 PM and Friday morning 10:00 AM Nov. 25 to Nov. 30.