The annual Northeast L.A. Veterans Day Parade will begin at 1 p.m., travelling from Glassell Park Recreation Center to the L.A. River Center in Cypress Park. Cypress Park Recreation Center will host the rest of the events at 2 p.m. and sky divers scheduled to drop in at 3 p.m.
The route this year is new and seems longer than past years. We saw the 2012 parade travelling east through Highland Park along York Blvd., and for many years since its beginning, travelling north on Eagle Rock Blvd. from York Blvd and ending just short of Colorado Blvd.
How this new route will affect any participation and turnout is yet to be seen, but I know many of the organizers and know that a lot of hard work goes into making this happen each year, even if many local groups don't appear to support it. I know a few of those, too.
School participation should be higher from the local area, especially at the High School level. Eagle Rock High has for years nearly ignored making a mark here although many other schools have shown up in the past. A disappointing result when the parade passed only a few blocks from the school for many years which eliminated transportation as a typical obstacle some schools encounter.
Franklin High's representation is consistent. Even Hollywood High had an entry in the past. Many elementary and middle schools have joined in to march in the parade. Enthusiasm is readily found among entrants in the younger age ranges, although their stamina may be challenged with a long route.
The weather will be cool and clear so come on and see the parade. Here's another reliable prediction: Local politicians don't miss public appearance opportunities and you will find many here, from City Hall to Sacramento, setting aside all the swirling stories of scandal that have been surfacing more and more in the news.
But what else is new? Forget that aspect for the day and honor the Vets who have contributed to the country and made sacrifices of life, limb and more, in service to the U.S.
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