SANTA CLARA, Calif.— Thousands of Bay Area residents gathered in Santa Clara on Oct. 3 for the city’s annual Parade of Champions, with this year’s celebration highlighting the 250th anniversary of American independence and the importance of sports and health.
The event brought together veterans’ organizations, sports and fitness groups, youth organizations, cultural associations, and various city government departments.
“We are here celebrating America’s 250th birthday,” Jerry Escobar, marketing executive of the Portuguese Fraternal Society of America, told The Epoch Times.
Escobar said Santa Clara has a strong and united Portuguese American community, with several groups participating in the parade….