Hundreds of people gathered in San Bernardino on Saturday to pay tribute to veterans and celebrate the city’s connection to the iconic Route 66 .
The morning’s festivities began with a parade along Mt. Vernon Avenue from 16th St. to La Plaza Park, honoring veterans for their military service and contributions to the community. The parade honored as grand marshals World War II veterans Gene Arnold (U.S. Marine Corps) and Efren Herrera (U.S. Army), as well as Ching Lee Trenchard, a 20-year veteran of the Army’s Military Intelligence Department.
Following the parade, veterans and the public observed a military salute ceremony.
After the veterans’ tributes, the city hosted its “Route 66 Centennial Block Party” to mark the highway’s centennial, featuring live music, food vendors and cultural performances. The city’s Parks Department and the San Bernardino Arts Association also hosted crafts themed around cars and license plates.
Route 66 spans 2,000 miles, passing through the Inland Empire, including San Bernardino, before ending in Santa Monica.
“San Bernardino has a special place in the history of Route 66, and this celebration gives us a proud opportunity to honor the patriotism of the veterans and military families who have given so much to our country while recognizing that heritage,” said Mayor Helen Tran in a news release.
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Last month, the annual Rendezvous Back to Route 66 event returned to downtown San Bernardino, bringing with it hundreds of car enthusiasts and their hot rods, customs and classics.