Eddie Kafafian is WWII Grand Marshall in Parade

Eddie and Leah Kafafian during the Sixth Annual San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade, Nov. 11, 2009.

Eddie Kafafian, a member of the Los Angeles chapter, was the 2009 World War II Grand Marshall at the Sixth Annual San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade.  The tradition was started in 2004. It was a great success as thousands of residents came out to pay tribute to America’s heroes—the veterans of our Armed Forces.  They have come out in greater numbers every year since.

The parade involved more than 60 veterans groups (including one equestrian team), at least five marching high school bands and the participation of the San Diego-based, Navy Band Southwest and the1st Marine Division Band from Camp Pendleton, Calif.

All of the wartime eras were specifically represented (from WWII to Iraqi Freedom) and all branches of military service were represented by active duty or reserve personnel. The WWII era flying Condor squadron from Van Nuys decorated the sky.