William Sanchez, a longtime Monterey Park resident and veteran of World War II, celebrated his birthday with a Birthday parade on July 18th. His son, David Sanchez and his daughter-in-law Anita Lee hosted the parade that began in front of his family home on Hillside Street in Monterey Park.

William Sanchez posed for this picture when he enlisted into the Army before the war.

The family flew the POW/MIA flag in honor of their father and all of the prisoners of war and military members still missing in action.

Monterey Park Mayor Hans Liang, Mayor Pro Tem Peter Chan and Councilmember Henry Lo presented a proclamation to William Sanchez and his son, David Sanchez. They thanked him for his service and wished him a Very Happy Birthday!

Members of the Monterey Park Police Department led the procession flashing their lights and making noise with their sirens as a salute to him.

Members of the Monterey Park Fire Department joined in parade flashing their lights and making noise with their sirens as a salute to him.

Former Mayor Betty Tom Chu wished Bill a Very Happy Birthday!

Former Mayor Frank Venti and his wife, Martha joined the parade and presented Bill with a birthday gift.

Former Mayor Mitch Ing stopped by to wish Bill a Very Happy Birthday!

Former Mayor Teresa Real Sebastian and her husband, Armen wished Bill a Very Happy Birthday in Spanish!

American Legion Post Commander Gabriel Suarez joined the parade as his wished Bill a Very Happy Birthday!

State Senator Bob Archuleta presented Bill with a proclamation that highlighted his life. He also thanked him for his service and wished him a Very Happy Birthday!

Antonio Chapa from Supervisor Hilda Solis’ office presented Bill with a proclamation. He thanked him for his service and wished him a Very Happy Birthday!

Carol and Larry Sullivan joined in the fun and wished Bill a Very Happy Birthday!

Rosemead Councilmember Margaret Clark joined the party and wished Bill a Very Happy Birthday!

Members of the Monterey Park Fire Department presented Bill with an official   sweatshirt as a birthday present.

David Sanchez asked his father if he remembered his POW Number. Bill said it was 327. He said that he had to answer to that number or he was in trouble.

David Sanchez said that he father has never harbored hate against anyone.  He said he was a guest of the Emperor of Japan. He owes his long life to clean livings. He used his GI Bill to further his education.

The parade lasted for one hour as many family members, friends and residents jointed in the parade. They all wished Bill Sanchez a Very Happy Birthday and thanked him for his military service.

David Sanchez thanked everyone for attending his father’s birthday party. Please stay safe and hope to see you at Bill Sanchez’s 103rd Birthday Party.

Anita Lee said she is very happy to celebrate her father-in-laws birthday with all of their family members, their friends and their neighbors.

The parade was broadcasted on television by our local stations Channel 2, Channel 4 and Channel 9 as a great news story that night.

Happy Birthday to one of our American Heroes!