On November 2nd, 2008 the Air Force was well represented at the Pleasanton Twelfth Annual VFW Veterans Day Parade, the theme was "Thunder In The Sky" honoring the men and women of the United States Air Force. There were over 60 parade entries despite the potential bad weather. The parade's Grand Marshall was Travis Air Force Base Commander Colonel Mark Dillon. Please go to the picture gallery later to view parade pictures (pictures courtesy of Bob Cole, Barbara Cota, and John Pecoraro).

After the parade was over more than 400 people stayed and attended the Veterans Day Ceremony held in the Veterans Memorial Building. Bob Williams and the Community Concert Band entertained the crowd with many patriotic songs. Pleasanton's Ward Belding dressed in his "Uncle Sam" attire entertained by singing several songs.

The guest speakers included Pleasanton Mayor Jennifer Hosterman, Dublin Mayor Janet Lockhart, Susan Pierce from Jose Maria Amador Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonel Dillon, and Congressman Jerry McNerney.

McNerney presented Army veteran Robert Vannatter of Pleasanton with a Congressional proclamation recognizing the 507th paratrooper for his service during World War II. Vannatter jumped behind enemy lines on D-Day, also participated in the Battle of the Bulge and was one of the first paratrooper to land on German soil.

All in all it was a good day for patriots, veteran groups, parade participates, and especially all our veterans.