Local resident, Col. Joseph Shriber named grand marshal as 2000 participants expected

The City of Folsom is gearing up for its 24th annual Wayne Spence Folsom Veterans Day Parade, set to commence at 9 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11. This year’s event promises a stirring tribute to local veterans, as thousands are expected to line the streets to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Folsom’s annual Veterans Day Parade has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated annual events, drawing more than 2,000 participants, including veterans, color guards, civic organizations, and various community groups. However, the event began with a humble origin: Wayne Spence, a Folsom resident, launched the parade as a one-man march through the city, dedicated to honoring veterans. Spence’s vision inspired others to join, and the parade evolved into a significant local tradition, now spanning multiple streets with a wide array of participants.

Each year, regardless of the day of the week, the parade takes place on Veterans Day itself, symbolizing Folsom’s dedication to honoring its heroes. This year, the City of Folsom has selected Col. Joseph Shriber as the grand marshal. A distinguished Air Force veteran, Shriber’s military service and ongoing dedication to the community have earned him this prestigious honor.

2024 Grand Marshal has decades of military service

Born in Ogden, Utah, in 1944, Shriber began his military journey after graduating from Utah State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. In 1966, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). Shriber’s career highlights include service in the Wild Weasel program, an elite operation designed to suppress enemy air defenses during the Vietnam War. He completed both navigator and electronic warfare training at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento and flew a total of 313 missions, with 193 of those taking him over North Vietnam. His missions, conducted in F-105G and F-4C Wild Weasel aircraft, were critical in protecting other flights entering heavily defended areas.

Col. Joseph Shriber, captured here performing his docent duties in a previous Folsom Times article, has been selected at the Grand Marshal of the 2024 Folsom Veterans Parade. (Folsom Times File Photo)

In 1979, after nine years of active duty, Shriber entered the Air Force Reserves, where he held various significant roles until his retirement in 1995. His duties took him to critical posts around the world, including the Pentagon and the Pacific Air Forces in Hawaii. Shriber’s expertise was called upon during multiple crises, from the Falkland Islands conflict to Operation Desert Storm. Throughout his distinguished service, he rose to the rank of Colonel and left an indelible mark on the field of military intelligence and operations.

Following his retirement from military service, Shriber continued his career at Lockheed Martin, where he contributed as a Strategic Planner until his retirement in 2008. Shriber’s commitment to service did not end there. Today, he volunteers at the Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital at Mather and the Aerospace Museum of California, where he shares his knowledge and experience with visitors as a docent.

In 2023, Shriber’s ongoing contributions were recognized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) #StillServing campaign, which celebrates veterans who continue to serve their communities. Shriber’s philanthropic efforts extend further, as he frequently volunteers in Folsom’s high schools, providing scholarships and mentoring opportunities for young people.

To accommodate the parade, the Folsom Police Department will enforce temporary street closures along the route. East Bidwell Street will close to traffic from 8 to 11 a.m., and Natoma Street from Coloma Street to Wales Drive will close from approximately 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. Detours will be in place, and motorists are encouraged to use Riley and School Streets as alternate routes.

For attendees, gathering along any of the trade route street offers a great view. This year, Folsom Times will also be live streaming the entire parade for those that can’t make it to be able to watch it live or after its complete in its entirely on its YouTube Live Channel Here. The parade will take place rain or shine, underscoring Folsom’s enduring commitment to honoring its veterans.

<p>The post Folsom gears up for 24th Annual Veteran’s Parade Monday first appeared on Folsom Times.</p>