By Clint Olivier

FRESNO - Surrounded by family and old friends, General Vang Pao arrives at a Marine Corps Birthday celebration in Sanger.

The general is a guest of honor at the dinner and he'll ride in the Fresno Veterans Day Parade Wednesday morning.

"His heart and passion has always been there and he said of course, I'll be there," Chai Vang said.

Chai Vang says his dad is proud of his decades of service to his adopted country both in war and peace.

"Even in the states he still promotes democracy and human rights, and advocates for all the rights that humans should have," he said.

In Downtown Fresno, crews spent the day getting the parade route ready.

Bleachers have been set up where General Gang Pao will ride along with 150 horses, 15 marching bands. 240 separate parade entries in all.

There are plenty of places to see the parade, much of Downtown will be closed to give everyone an up-close view.

"We are at war, so let's pay attention, folks," Bill Dietzel said.

Organizer Bill Dietzel says it good to come out and honor veterans.

He's is expecting 9,000 people to clog Downtown to enjoy.

"That's huge, and that's a parade," he said.

The parade's theme is a tribute to the navy.

Parking for the event is free.

Road Closures:

What: Various downtown streets will be closed on Wednesday

November 11 for the annual Fresno Veterans Day Parade

beginning at 8:00 a.m.

Street Closures:

Tulare Street: from H Street to Van Ness Avenue

Fresno Street: from Van Ness Avenue to P Street

Van Ness Avenue: from Tulare Street to Fresno Street

H Street: from Inyo Street to Tulare Street

P Street: from Fresno Street to Inyo Street

Inyo Street: from P Street to H Street

Motorists may experience some delays in the downtown area.

Road closure schedule posted online at www.fresno.gov/traffic

When: Wednesday, November 11 beginning at 8 a.m. The parade is

expected to conclude by 3 p.m.