Thousands celebrate local veterans under clear skies in one of the city’s largest parades on record
FOLSOM, CA — The streets of Folsom came alive Tuesday morning as the community turned out in force to honor the men and women who have served our nation. Under crisp autumn skies and a sea of red, white, and blue, the 25th annual Wayne Spence Veterans Day Parade drew thousands of spectators, many of whom stayed to attend the Veterans Ceremony at City Lions Park that followed. Together, both events marked one of the largest Veterans Day celebrations in the city’s history.
After last year’s Veterans Day downpour drenched spectators and participants alike, this year’s perfect weather set the stage for a morning filled with patriotic pride and heartfelt gratitude. According to the City of Folsom, the milestone parade drew 2,360 participants and featured 160 floats, representing one of the biggest Veterans Day celebrations the city has seen in recent years.
From toddlers waving flags on their parents’ shoulders to veterans wearing service caps adorned with medals, Folsom’s community spirit was on full display. Along East Bidwell Street, cheers rang out as marching bands, color guards, classic cars, local organizations, and uniformed veterans made their way through the parade route in a show of appreciation that spanned generations.
What began more than two decades ago as the humble effort of one man, Wayne Spence, has become a cornerstone of the city’s civic identity. Spence, a dedicated Folsom resident and veteran advocate, first marched alone through the streets of his hometown, carrying the American flag to honor local service members. That small gesture of respect soon inspired others to join him, and from those modest beginnings, the parade grew into one of the largest Veterans Day events in the region.
Spence’s legacy extends far beyond the parade itself. He worked with the City of Folsom for years to ensure the community’s veterans would be remembered through street names and memorials that honor the fallen. Today, his name lives on through the annual parade that now bears it—a tribute not only to his patriotism but also to the community he inspired.
This year, the City of Folsom named U.S. Army veteran Robert D. Bailey as the parade’s Grand Marshal. Bailey, a longtime Folsom resident, served in the Vietnam War and led this year’s procession, which began at the HomeGoods parking lot before traveling down East Bidwell Street, turning north on Coloma Street, and finishing westbound along Natoma Street.
Following the parade, many gathered at City Lions Park for the Veterans Ceremony at the Folsom Veterans Memorial. The ceremony opened with the National Anthem and a prayer, followed by remarks from Folsom Mayor Sarah Aquino, who expressed the city’s appreciation to its veterans and their families.
“On behalf of the City of Folsom, my council colleagues, and the 92,000 residents we represent, thank you, veterans,” Aquino said. “Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and for defending the freedoms that most of us take for granted.”
The program continued with the ceremonial raising of the American flag, followed by the presentation of flags for each branch of the U.S. military. The moment was briefly interrupted when a young participant fainted, prompting a quick response from paramedics on site. The individual was treated at the scene and later reported to be doing fine, allowing the ceremony to resume without further incident.
As the final flags rose against the clear blue sky, community members lingered on the lawn of the Veterans Memorial outside the Folsom Public Library, exchanging stories and offering thanks to those who served. The annual event once again reflected the strength of Folsom’s sense of community and the city’s ongoing commitment to remembering its heroes.
For those unable to attend in person, Folsom Times carried the event live and on demand. View the full broadcast of the parade and ceremony here.
What began as a one-man march has now become a deeply rooted tradition—one that continues to unite the city each November in pride, gratitude, and remembrance. Enjoy the many photos from Folsom Times of the parade and the ceremony below.
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