Veterans took center stage Saturday, Nov. 11, as Oakdale area residents took time to pause, reflect and honor their service and sacrifice.
The morning parade, led by Oakdale Saddle Club and many other entries, departed from FES Hall in North Lee, following a route to Pontiac, then headed west on Pontiac to Fish Park. I headed to the stop.
Other events were planned there, including a program with speakers from city and county officials. Among them were Oakdale City Councilman Fred Smith and Stanislaus County District 1 Supervisor Buck Condit, who represents Oakdale and Riverbank on the county commission.
Other dignitaries included Oakdale Mayor Cher Bairos and City Manager Brian Whitemeyer. Mayor Bairos also thanked the area’s veteran-owned businesses during the program.
Local Boy Scout Troop 43 held a flag retirement ceremony as part of their November 11th event. Flags deemed too worn or damaged to be displayed are “decommissioned,” a process that includes burning them. They performed their retirement in front of a crowd at Fish Park.
Like last year, after the parade and ceremony, attendees at the park were served a hot dog lunch.
Organizers were pleased with the turnout and the weather was great, with sunny skies and temperatures in the low 70s helping to create the perfect backdrop for the festivities.