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35 World War II veterans leading todays parade
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They fought in the Battle of the Bulge, on the beaches at Normandy, on Iwo Jima, in North Africa, and on countless other battlefields.

They came of age during the Great Depression. They ended up fighting the Axis Powers and then came home to set America on course for the Space Age while helping rebuild the economies of Europe and Asia.

It is why they are often referred to as “The Greatest Generation.”

Thirty-five World War II veterans from the greater Manteca area will serve as grand marshals for today’s first ever Memorial Day parade at 11 a.m. It will run along Yosemite Avenue from Library Park to Manteca High. Dozens upon dozens of other veterans will march behind them along with nearly over 60 entries ranging from equestrian units and floats to youth groups and classic cars.

They will go down flag-lined Yosemite Avenue. Those flags are among 2,400 put in place by the Manteca Chamber of Commerce. The business organization is also sponsoring today’s parade.

Memorial Day
ceremonies
There are four Memorial Day services being offered today in the South County. The ceremonies are:

• 10 a.m. at East Union Cemetery in Manteca, Union Road and Louise Avenue.

• 10 a.m. at Park View Cemetery at French Camp Road just west of Highway 99.

• 10:30 a.m. at Ripon Cemetery in Ripon, 300 Stockton Avenue.

• 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial in Manuel Valverde Park in Lathrop, 15557 Fifth St.