The following is a press release issued by the American Indian Preservation Fund:
This year’s parade will see the largest Native American Veteran contingent to date.
The American Indian Preservation Fund is a proud supporter of the Petaluma Veterans Day Parade. 2023 is our 11th year participating in the parade.
Terrance “Chitcus” Brown, U.S. Marine 65/68:
“Native American Veterans from Oregon and Nevada are joining us. From California, they’re coming in from Susanville, Sacramento, and San Jose to march in honor of those that served and those that are serving today. God Bless our Veterans. Blessings for ALL that have lost loved ones. We march to Honor those that have fallen on foreign soil. We Pray for those MIA, POWs, and Agent Orange Veterans who have been abandoned.”
The AIPF section of the parade features two hand-carved, ceremonial redwood dugout canoes honoring elder Native American Veterans. Four tribal drums from Kottomein drum with the All Nations Singers from Oakland join Chitcus, Karuk tribal medicine man. Chitcus will carry the medicine staff with eagle feathers. Ten eagle feather battle staffs will be carried by the Davis-Brown-Goodwin medicine family and veterans. They will be joined by Sonoma Native American Veterans, the Penry family, Sky Riders, and the Rip City Riders who will carry the military colors to honor Veterans of America.
Riding a classic ’32 Ford Phaeton will be our Honor Veteran, James E. Brown, WWII US Army and Navy Veteran.
