Veteran, 99, Named Beaumont's Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshal

BEAUMONT, CA — The second annual Veterans Day Parade will take place on Friday, November 11, the city announced.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. at 10th Street and Beaumont Avenue and concludes at the Beaumont Civic Center with a ceremony to honor veterans.

All entries will honor and pay tribute to the men and women who have bravely served our nation in the United States Armed Forces. Viewing areas are available along the parade route with the announcers’ booths located at the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce and the Beaumont Civic Center.

"The City of Beaumont is pleased to announce that the Grand Marshal of the second annual Veterans Day Parade will be local Veteran Joe Harrison," a city spokesperson said. "Harrison is a 99-years young WWII Veteran, who served and survived 30 months fighting in the War in the Pacific. Part of the pre-Navy Seal's Special Forces Operations, the legendary Marine Raiders, Joe served in Carlson's 2nd Battalion, the 4th Regiment, the 1st Provisional Brigade, and the famous 6th Marine Division."

According to the city, Marine Raider Harrison saw six amphibious landings, four under fire in combat, including the islands of Bougainville, Guam, and two on Okinawa. He participated in the initial landings and occupation of Japan and was one of the first Marines in Tokyo before the surrender terms were signed.

Following his service, Mr. Harrison returned to California where he met his soon-to-be wife of 60 years and had 5 children. He became a masonry contractor and later finished his career with Caltrans and retired in Banning, California in 1985. He has enjoyed his retirement with his children, 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren. He is a long-time member of the American Legion Banning and Fellowship Church in Beaumont.

Road Closures:

• Beaumont Avenue – between 12th Street and 6th Street
• 6th Street – between Beaumont Avenue and Palm Avenue
• 12th Street – between Euclid Avenue and Magnolia Avenue
• 10th Street – between Euclid Avenue and Magnolia Avenue
• 7th Street – between Magnolia Avenue and Orange Avenue
• Magnolia Avenue – between 7th Street and 6th Street
• Palm Avenue (southbound) – between 7th Street and 6th Street

Veterans Ceremony

Immediately following the parade, Beaumont will host the annual Veterans Day Ceremony on the front lawn of the Beaumont Civic Center. The event is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. and will feature several Veteran speakers. The entire community is encouraged to attend the ceremony and show their appreciation for our Veterans.

For questions, please contact Beaumont Parks and Recreation at (951)769-8524 or parks@beaumontca.gov