THE San Juan Squadron flyover opened the 2022 Veterans Day Parade down Main Street Alamosa on Friday. From there it was a salute to the roughly 4,500 veterans who call the San Luis Valley home, with marching bands from Monte Vista, La Jara and Alamosa performing patriotic tunes.
Cris Florez, E4 specialist in Operation Iraqi Freedom, served as parade grand marshall. He was joined by his wife, Ashley Florez, and their children, Samantha and Sharlet.
The parade is organized each year by Charlie Griego, an Alamosa city councilor and member of American Legion Post 113. Tita Martinez served as parade announcer. American Legion Dickey Springer Post 113 provided the color guard.
Veterans Day celebration events in the San Luis Valley continue Saturday with the inaugural Alamosa Veterans Memorial Park Race. The event begins at 9 a.m. at the Colorado National Guard Armory at 1877 Old Sanford Rd. in Alamosa.
A committee of volunteers is raising money to pay for the establishment of an Alamosa Veterans Memorial Park.
