Colorado Springs residents will gather on Tejon Street this Saturday, Nov. 7, for the city’s annual Veterans Day Parade, and the centerpiece of the celebration will be a living piece of history. 103‑year‑old Wanda Daniels, a former aircraft‑repair worker who kept the home‑front running while her fiancé fought overseas, has been chosen as the parade’s grand marshal.
From wartime factory floor to parade leader
Daniels entered the workforce in the early 1940s, taking a job at Northrop Aircraft in Hawthorne, California, after her fiancé was deployed to World War II. Though her fiancé never returned, Daniels continued to support the war effort, embodying the spirit of “Rosie the Riveter” by helping keep America’s aircraft production humming.
“I was a young girl and I did my part, bit by bit,” Daniels recalled. “I worked in aircraft at Northrop. It was a job.” Her dedication and independence have made her a symbol of the patriotic service that defined an entire generation.
Parade details and community support
The parade will begin at 11 a.m. and travel four blocks along Tejon Street, which will be closed to traffic for the event. Organizers initially faced questions about selecting a “Rosie the Riveter” as grand marshal, with some noting that Rosie herself was not a veteran. Parade spokesperson Andy Koen responded, “She may not have worn a uniform, but Rosie represents the spirit of patriotism and service that our military families and community share.”
Community volunteers are still being asked to dress in period‑appropriate attire to accompany Daniels as the procession moves through downtown. The event is expected to draw more than 100 marching entries, including veterans, service organizations, schools, and local businesses.
Fireworks and continued celebrations
Following the parade, fireworks that were postponed from the Fourth of July due to wildfires will be launched at Banning Lewis Ranch, providing a festive close to the day’s celebrations.
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Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
