When he rides through Wahiawa on Friday as grand marshal of the town's annual Veterans Day Parade, Schofield Barracks Sgt. Jaime Hernandez-Pagan may not get a chance to talk to other veterans along the route about his combat duty in Iraq.

But he's grateful.

"For me, it's an opportunity to thank them, not to thank me," he said. "To say thanks to all the veterans who served before me."

The kicker is that Hernandez-Pagan, a 35-year-old native of Puerto Rico, shed blood for his nation. He received a Purple Heart for wounds sustained more than a year ago in Afghanistan when a roadside bomb exploded beneath his truck. He's still recovering.

His commanders chose him to represent the 25th Infantry Division (Light) in the Wahiawa Lions Club's 60th annual Veterans Day Parade. But even though he'll be riding in a Corvette convertible escorted by police officers, he wants to share the spotlight.

"This is for all the veterans of the past who set an example," Hernandez-Pagan said. "They were the first for freedom and the way of life we have now."

The parade, one of several events around the state honoring veterans, will feature more than 40 marching units, representatives from all branches of the military, hula dancers, community groups, school groups and veterans groups.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. at Ka'ala Elementary School and proceeds along California Avenue to Wahiawa District Park.

It is one of the oldest parades in the state, said Harry Kwon, the Wahiawa Lion in charge of the event.

"To me, and others that I talk to, they are our heroes," said Kwon, a 65-year-old retired Army veteran.

"And I think, without the military, we probably would not enjoy the freedoms we enjoy today."

At the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, veterans will be honored at the 55th annual Massing of the Colors. Cemetery director Gene Castagnetti said he expects a crowd of 1,500, including several hundred aging World War II veterans.

He hopes the public will take the time to search them out.

"Get out there and thank these guys," he said. "Shake their hands. Give them a hug. Validate their service now and not when you have to go to their funeral."

The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. and will include a flyover of National Guard F-15 fighter jets.

Castagnetti calls the holiday a tribute for the living and said the veterans often become emotional.

"They do show their emotions," he said. "They show it when the American flag is paraded or the national anthem is played. They show it when patriotic songs are played. It's a reflection in their whole being."

Reach Mike Gordon at mgordon@honoluluadvertiser.com.