The historic community of San Elizario, which has a strong connection to World War II and the Vietnam War , celebrated its 28th Annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 9, under beautiful sunny skies.
San Elizario’s main square houses the Eduardo Pedregon Veterans Museum, which was named after Cpl. Eduardo Pedregon , a Korean War soldier who was declared missing in action in 1950. More than six decades later, Pedregon was finally brought home to his final resting place.
Ray Borrego, a co-chair of the parade who was a Vietnam War draftee, said about 300 spectators came out in support of the parade and five veterans were especially recognized this year. The five veterans were part of the parade and honored at a ceremony after the parade.
The parade is organized by the San Elizario Veterans Committee under the umbrella of the San Elizario Geneaology and Historical Society. Through the years, it has grown from a few participants and cars to more than 80 participants including high school ROTC groups, bands and veterans.