Community Digest
Christopher High School Marching Band , led by Drum Major Tyler Arakaki , marched with precision in Gilroy ' s Veteran ' s Day Parade on November 11 , 2022 . Tyler was one of a select few chosen to represent the United States as 2023 All-Americans for the London New Year ' s Day Parade in London , England .
The Veteran ' s Day Parade was Gilroy ' s first and was a very well-organized , entertaining event , organized to celebrate our local veterans . Hundreds of onlookers lined the parade route , showing their support and gratitude to our veterans .
Morgan Hill resident and Veteran Tim Edes , driving his 1944 WWII Ford Military Jeep , which boasts a . 50 Caliber machine gun and the original working radio . escorts the 2022 Veteran ' s Day Parade Grand Marshal , Robert Peterson , a WWII veteran and Purple Heart Recipient . The Gilroy Color Guard , made up of local veterans from VFW Post 6309 and American Legion Post 217 , led the parade north on Monterey Rd through Downtown Gilroy . Parade-goers lined the streets to show support for our local veterans . Master Seargent and Post 6309 Chaplain , Jesse Sanchez rode with the " Vets on Bikes " to close out the parade .
Michelle and Jace Hider , with children Colton ( 14 ), Kylie ( 12 ), Bristol ( 9 ), and Sonoma ( 9 ), put over 40 hours into creating a float to honor the WWII American flag raising on Mount Suribachi on the Pacific island of Iwo Jima . The commitment to build the float was intended to show best friend and Veteran Kenneth Pacheco the Hider family ' s deep appreciation for his and other veterans ' service .
12 WINTER 2023 gmhTODAY Magazine gmhtoday . com