Manteca could make the claim of being the most patriotic city in California as the city will host the biggest Memorial Day Event on the West Coast.
The stars and stripes will line the streets of Manteca this weekend with 2,500 flags.
At Woodward Park, 40,000 people are expected to attend the “Not Forgotten Memorial Day Weekend” on Sunday.
Pastor Mike Dillman organized the event which grows each year, as do the number of more than 7,000 white crosses planted in the ground for those lost in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“The number has grown since last year by a little over 100, men are still dying and the price of freedom is still being paid and it’s an extravagant price,” says Dillman.
Among the attractions are a car show with 300 vehicles, a World War 2 planes flyover, live bands on 3 stages and fireworks.
Dillman who is a Vietnam veteran says the fireworks show has a special meaning.
“It’s the welcome home that Vietnam veterans never got, I do that to celebrate their safe return,” says Dillman.
The free family event on Sunday starts at 8 in the morning with a Wounded Warrior 5K run and ends with the fireworks show at night.
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