Central California Conference Youth Honor Veterans at Fresno’s 106th Veterans Day Parade

FRESNO, Calif.—The Central Valley Golden Eagles Pathfinder and Adventurer Club, Visalia Pioneers, and Fresno Navigators joined the Central California Conference (CCC) Junior Youth Department on November 11 to proudly participate in the 106th Fresno Veterans Day Parade. Under the leadership of CCC Youth Director Norma Villarreal, the group represented the Seventh-day Adventist Church with gratitude, joy, and a spirit of service.

The Fresno Veterans Day Parade—one of the oldest and largest in the nation—has brought generations together for more than a century to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. This year, Adventurers, Pathfinders, and youth leaders were honored to contribute to this longstanding tradition by sharing messages of appreciation, hope, and faith.

Marching through downtown Fresno, the clubs joined veterans’ groups, schools, civic organizations, and community agencies from across the Central Valley. The Central Valley Pathfinder Drum Corps led with an energetic performance of the Pathfinder Song, filling the streets with a lively and inspiring rhythm. Their enthusiasm and smiles served as a meaningful reminder that service, even in simple forms, can reflect Christ’s love to the community.

In addition to honoring military veterans, the youth used the parade as an opportunity to share their faith through service. Along the parade route, Pathfinders and Adventurers distributed GLOW tracts and small American flags, offering messages of gratitude and encouragement to onlookers. Their warm interactions with spectators demonstrated the church’s commitment to blessing others wherever God provides the opportunity.

A special moment unfolded when Miss California 2025, Rachel Axt, spotted the group’s Pathfinder uniforms from across the street. Axt, a former Adventurer from the Fresno Central Church where her father serves as an elder, crossed the parade route to greet the young people, take photos, and reflect on her memories in the Adventurer program. She shared how her early experiences in church ministries shaped her foundational values—an inspiring reminder of the lasting impact of children’s ministries.

The CCC extends heartfelt appreciation to Luis Singh, director of the Central Valley Golden Eagles Pathfinder Club, as well as the dedicated staff, parents, and Pathfinders whose teamwork made the parade participation possible. Their preparation—from organizing the group to decorating floats—demonstrated commitment, creativity, and a desire to serve with excellence.

As the day concluded, participants reflected on the sacrifices of the nation’s veterans and the biblical call to service found in John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” The youth were reminded that leadership begins with service, and that everyday acts of kindness can powerfully reflect the love of Jesus.

The Central California Conference is grateful for the opportunity to take part in this historic community event. May every step taken, every hand extended, and every song lifted continue to honor Christ and shine His light throughout the Central Valley.

Always Ready to Serve.