June 20, 2008

More than 3000 attend VEP Community Association’s Memorial Day Parade 

Representatives of the armed forces at Vista Park; Andrew Hill’s color guard leads the parade.

By Dave Fadness
Special to the Times

VEP Community Association’s fourth annual Memorial Day Parade & Festival was attended by an estimated 3000 participants this year. Celebrating the Memorial Day tradition of honoring men and women who have given their lives to protect our country and way of life, this family event showcased talented young people who inspired and entertained our Blossom Valley community.

Stepping off on a sunny morning from San Jose’s Vista Park, the Memorial Day Paradewas led by Lieutenant Colonel Shari Corbett’s Andrew Hill High School JROTC. Smartly attired in dress uniforms and carrying our flag, their Color Guard, Honor Guard, Drill Teams, and Drum Corps were an impressive sight as they marched with local representatives of our Armed Forces.

A clown is named “funniest"

Adding music, color, and excitement to the parade were Director Andrew Love’s Sylvandale Jr. High band, Director Allison Brooks’ Fair Jr. High choir and band, and a choir comprised of Carson and Parkview Elementary School students led by volunteer Directors Jim Sealy and Tanya Summers. S.J. Sharkie’s antics thrilled Sharks fans. Caring Clowns Sunny & Twinkles and their zany Andrew Hill and Gunderson High School protégés drew applause and approving smiles from observers along the 1.1-mile parade route.

Our City Forest’s “O2” mascot, Scout troops, custom and classic cars, and hundreds of colorfully costumed kids of all ages with decorated bikes, tricycles, scooters, and coaster wagons joined the parade. A proud contingent of San Jose Fire Station 13 firefighters and Police Department patrol, motorcycle, and horse-mounted officers heightened spectator interest and ensured everyone’s safety.

A Memorial Day Festival followed the parade. It opened at Parkview Elementary School with a patriotic ceremony featuring Andrew Hill’s JROTC Color Guard’s flag salute and inspiring patriotic music by the Carson-Parkview Choir, Sylvandale and Fair Jr. High School musicians, and a moving Taps solo by Fair’s Erik Gonzales.

City Councilwoman Nancy Pyle granted parade costume awards as entertainment followed. Delighting the audience with their mellow harmonies, the Town Square Harmonizers barbershop quartet performed brilliantly. Master Instructor Andrew Suh dazzled the crowd with hisAmerica Tae Kwon Do students’ stunning martial arts routines. An always-popular and fascinating demonstration by the San Jose Police Department’s K-9 Unit featured Officers Brett Myers and Brian Carmody with their skilled dogs Jim and Tom. Between acts, upbeat disc jockey Mike Lopez kept the event lively with music and fun.

Sharkie visits a group of seniors from Carlton Plaza.

Display, game, and crafts booths, a gigantic inflated slide, face painting, crazy-hair, old-fashioned field games, Mojo Burger food, and refreshments rounded out the offerings for a pleasant day of family fun. In all, 245 entertainers volunteered their talents. Dozens of community members volunteered in planning and implementing this successful event.

Co-sponsored by VEP, Carson and Parkview Elementary, and Gunderson High Schools, net proceeds from and donations to this all-volunteer event benefited Carson and Parkview Schools.

Photos submitted with this article were taken by VEP members Dave Danitz, Dave Fadness, Dave Noel, and Joe Tajnai.