Wenatchee Veterans Day Parade Packs Out Memorial Park

The Wenatchee Veterans Day parade drew in a large crowd of patriots Thursday morning at Memorial Park, after having been canceled in 2020 over COVID-19.

The year's parade featured at least 29 participants, including three marching bands - the Wenatchee High School band, Eastmont High School band and a combined band made up of students from Wenatchee’s Pioneer, Orchard and Foothills middle schools.

It started at Wells Fargo on North Chelan Avenue with a stop at 11 a.m. at Memorial Park for the presentation of colors.

The parade then headed on Orondo Avenue and then north on Mission Street before ending at Wells Fargo.

The parade also featured a large contingent of motorcycles.

Attendee Janett Yoidyla Zodrow said her mother and her father were both Marines, attended the Marine Corp ball on November 10 and had Janett on November 11th in 1964.

"Everyone needs to appreciate them for fighting for their freedom and giving their lives for those that they love," said Zodrow while fighting back tears.

Janett came to the parade with her daughter and sister, but typically attends Veterans Day events with her mother.

Veteran and attendee John Hewitt said the Wenatchee parade is the first Veterans Day parade he's attended before.

"It means supporting my country, America, and supporting fellow veterans," Hewitt said. "I was in the Marine Corp during the Vietnam War. Coming here to Wenatchee and seeing this has really peaked my interest and support."

Hewitt brought along an American flag to the ceremony.

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