As this year's Grand Marshall of the annual Memorial Day Parade, Frank Sanchez brings credibility to the role. He is one of seven brothers to serve in World War II, and many in his family have served in the armed forces since, including his grandson Jason who is currently finishing basic training. Yet it is his specific story that landed him the honor of leading the parade that honors the fallen.The Gilroy Memorial Day Celebration, commemorating U.S. men and women who have given their lives in military service to their country, will take place from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday. The parade will start on Monterey and 10th Street and end at Christmas Hill Park with Sanchez in the lead.
Sanchez was born June 6, 1923 in Arizona, and arrived in Gilroy in 1937. His family settled into a tract of land where the Kaiser Clinic now stands, and Frank and his siblings attended local schools such as Jordan and Wheeler. Soon after, he joined the Army along with fellow Gilroy residents Manuel Aceves, Santos Valdez and Gabriel Chaveda. He received basic training at Camp Calen in Southern California and then went to specialized training at Fort Irwin where he learned to fire a variety of weapons, but it was the .50-caliber machine gun and .90-millimeter cannon that prepared him for his coming role in WW II. He shipped overseas, arriving in Dynchburg, Kent England in July of 1944. He stayed there for three weeks and then on to Omaha Beach, Holland and Germany where the fighting was extremely intense. Actively involved in combat with the cannons and machine guns in which he had received specialized training, he faced many harrowing battles. Four months after hostilities ceased in 1945 he went home with an honorable discharge and several medals which hang on his wall to this day. The citations were The World war II Victory Medal, European, African and Middle Eastern campaign Medals, Good Conduct Ribbons and The American Campaign medal.
Since those days of bravery and danger Frank has been an active part of the Gilroy community.
He married a local woman named Roberta and had four children. His son Jesse served proudly in the military and currently is the Post Commander for the Gilroy chapter of The Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He worked at C.B. Gentry dehydrating garlic and onions for many years, then attended San Jose City College before beginning work at BeGe Manufacturing where he worked for 18 years before retiring.
Frank Sanchez mused for a moment when asked about The Iraq War before quietly saying, "War is different now, people come in and blow themselves up and innocent people. When I fought it was soldier to soldier. It's too bad what they do now."
Sanchez had only positive feelings about how Gilroyans celebrate Memorial Day. "People in Gilroy do a fine job of celebrating our fallen heroes. They know how important it is. New kids get an idea of what came before, and that gives them an idea of what a hero is. One thing people can do if they want to help the fallen is pray for them."
In all, this observance of Memorial day promises to properly show respect to the fallen, while providing an enjoyable community centered event. Grand Marshall Frank Sanchez will be reading a poem by Charles Johnson that clarifies on the meaning of the holiday in a way that will make many reflect on the importance of this day. An excerpt appears below.
"They came from every city, Across this fertile land. That we might live in freedom. They lie hear 'neath the sand."
Memorial Day festivities
WHAT: Remembrance ceremony
WHEN: 9 to 10 a.m.
WHERE: Gavilan Hills Cemetery
WHAT: Parade
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Starts at Monterey and 10th streets
WHAT: Family Day and car show
WHEN: Cancelled
WHERE: Cancelled
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