Riverside Events Blog

The streets of Downtown Riverside were green, black, red, white and blue. Vintage World War two vehicles, and classic civilian vehicles were accomanied by unifored officers representing all branches of civil and military service. Pipers played, and drums rolled in this years "A Salute to Veterans" parade. Read more about the

Under this statue that stands outside of the Riverside City Hall, is a dedication to a World War Two Soldier from Riverside.

Never Forgotten - Forever Honored -

A symbol for all veterans -

Staff Sergeant Ysmael R. Villegas March 21, 1924 - March 20, 1945

Medal of Honor

G.O No. 89: October 19, 1945

Squad leader, Company F, 127th Infantry, 32nd "Red Arrow" Division

Via Verde Trail, Luzon Philippean Islands March 20, 1945

The Story of SSgt. Ysmael R. Villegas Symbolizes The Sacrifices

And Bravery Of All The Men And Women

Who Have Served This Country

In Its Armed Forces

Ysmael R. "Smiley" Villegas was born and raised in Riverside. He saw combat in the Philippines as a squad leader in the United States Army. On March 20, 1945, one day before his 21st birthday, SSgt. Villegas repeatedly charged enemy positions, drawing their fire away from his squad. He was killed but his squad was saved. As the result of his heroic sacrifice, SSgt. Villegas became Riverside County's first recipient of the Medal of Honor, this countries highest award for bravery.

Here are more photos from the Veterans Parade in Downtown Riverside April 19th 2008.

The Riverside County, Hemet Mounted Police Brigade

The Riverside pipe band entering the Falconer Pub in Downtown Riverside, single file as it's traditional ending to the Parade Route.

Equipped with polished steel axes and garbed in turn of the century uniforms the Riverside Fire Brigade shows it's brass at the Riverside Veterans parade.

The PW MIA and American Flags wave over these vintage World War Two Vehicles that participated in Riverside's Veterans Parade.