Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services District General Manager Don Bartz drove Congressman Jay Obernolte and wife Heather Obernolte during this year’s 25th Annual Veterans Day Parade in old town Victorville on Saturday November 11th. Congressman Obernolte is currently serving as the United States Representative for California’s 8th District and was elected in 2021. The annual parade is a popular Veteran’s Day event and this year consisted of about 30 local government officials, clubs, schools, marching bands, and military units.
Bartz drove his own gorgeous 1966 Chevy Chevelle topless classic car for the parade with the Obernolte’s proudly waving to the onlookers and honoring Veterans. Other officials in the parade were the Mayor of Victorville Debra Jones, Mayor Pro Tem for Victorville, Leslie Irving, and council member Blanca Gomez. Also in the parade were the Victorville Police and Fire Departments, Local Military Prep high school groups, American Legion groups, Girl Scouts, Cheerleading teams. Knights of Columbus, Car clubs, VFW Posts, and others, over 30 in all.
Mr. Bartz said, “it was an honor to drive in the parade; it’s amazing to see this many people come out from the community to honor veterans.” This annual event began in Victorville at the corner of 7th street and Forrest. Coffee and doughnuts were offered to everyone and sponsored by the Inland Empire Health Plan, with several hundred spectators all eager to watch the parade.
The morning started with the freedom mile run, followed by the parade and an invocation on stage. After the invocation, a flag-raising ceremony was performed, complete with the national anthem and a tribute to veterans from city officials. The event ended with several musical performances, and a slideshow played in recognition of 52 local veterans serving or having served in many branches of the United States Military. Many spectators and family members cheered as the veterans appeared on the big screen. This made for a touching morning as the community united together to honor United States Veterans on Veterans’ Day.
