Thousands pack city streets for Veterans Day Parade

Folsom's 24th annual Wayne Spence Veterans Day Parade was a joyous event, celebrated by thousands of people throughout the city Monday morning. The rain and chilly temps didn't dampen the spirits of people who walked the parade or turned out with umbrellas and winter coats to cheer and honor heroes who served or are serving the country. The parade brought out many local veterans who either took part in the parade or watched on the sidelines, evoking pride in their service and reveling in the gratitude expressed by the community for their service. One veteran was new Folsom resident Truson Buegel, who now runs the beloved Folsom Valley Railway, the miniature scale live steam train that circles Lions Park. The Folsom Telegraph spoke with Buegel as he stood on Natoma Street, marveling at how large the parade was. "It's a beautiful city; I love it here," said Buegel. Buegel watched the parade with pride as a veteran: He served in Vietnam for the Marine Corps. "I was proud to serve. … I'm honored to be a part of all the veterans that are celebrating this day and I think this parade is absolutely fantastic," said Buegel. "I'm glad all these organizations come out to celebrate that. I really appreciate it." As a newer resident, Buegel said the parade serves as a great showcase of the various organizations and community groups that exist in Folsom. The parade staged and began in the parking lot of Target and Home Goods on East Bidwell, and made its way to Coloma Street, and then Natoma, where it culminated near Folsom City Hall. There were floats, classic cars, horseback riders, color guards and a variety of community groups who happily took part. The Grand Marshal was selected by the city to be Colonel Joseph Shriber, an Air Force veteran and respected member of the Folsom community. Folsom residents turned out in force to support parade participants. For some, watching this parade is a yearly tradition and for others, such as Richy Ricks, a veteran who just moved to Folsom with his family this year, this is the beginning of a new tradition. As it turns out, his new home is along the parade route. "We actually didn't know it was coming down this way, we thought it was going to be (on another street) and I heard the band come by," said Ricks. "... and (my daughter) came running in and said, 'Oh my God!' She came running out." Ricks' daughter, Vivian, was thrilled to see the parade walk right by her home. She said her favorite was the Chinese dragon dancers, and the weather was not a deterrent. "It's really fun. I love the rain!" said Vivian. Julie Lee, an Air Force veteran, walked the parade not only as a veteran but as a docent for the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, and was thrilled to see so many people come out to show their support. Her husband, US Army Veteran Robert M. Lee, also took part in the parade. "It's really fantastic that people really believe in what we did," said Lee. Lee spent six years on active duty for the Air Force, and 14 more as a reserve. She flew on an AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) plane, a modified commercial airframe that uses a rotating radar dome to provide long-range surveillance, during a time when most military women weren't able to do such things yet. "The plane that I flew on was designated a combat aircraft; no women could fly on it until they changed the designation. I was one of the first women to fly on it," said Lee, who is understandably proud of her service. Lee said she was concerned the weather would deter some people from coming out for the parade, but the crowds who gathered on every sidewalk along the route sent a clear message. By the time the parade ended, the rain began falling harder and the temperatures grew colder, but nothing could diminish the feeling of good will on the streets of Folsom, and the gratitude for service members past and present.