Lt. Col Robert J. Friend, a member of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, will be among the military veterans riding in the 27th annual Ventura County St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Ventura on Saturday, March 14.

Former assemblyman and Afghanistan War veteran Jeff Gorell will serve as Grand Marshal for the parade that begins at 10 a.m. in front of Mission San Buenaventura and marches down Main Street to Laurel Street. This year’s parade theme is “Honoring Our Troops.”

The 94-year-old Friend will be riding in a car directly behind Gorell. Friend was one of the first African American pilots to serve in the U.S. military and assigned to the 332nd Fighter Group and was stationed in Europe during World War II. He is one of the last surviving members of the distinguished group of pilots whose experiences were commemorated in the 2013 movie "Red Tails," named for their planes' painted red tails.

Gorell represented the 37th District in the California Assembly from 2010 to 2012, and after the decennial redistricting, the 44th District from 2012-2014. Just before the Nov. 2, 2010 general election, Gorellannounced that he was being deployed to Afghanistan on March 18, 2011 as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. It marked Gorell’s second year-long tour of duty in Afghanistan; his first started three weeks after 9/11 in 2001.

Upon winning, Gorell spent less than three months in office before becoming the first sitting California lawmaker since World War II to be called into active military duty overseas. During his deployment, 14 bills were sponsored in his name. Gorell later served as vice-chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee and now serves as Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

Last year’s parade drew over 90 entries, including floats sponsored by civic groups, nonprofits and local businesses and restaurants; marching bands; car clubs; horses; clowns and the Biggest Green Pig in the World. There also will be high school pep bands, youth groups and fun-loving adult groups entered in the parade.

The Ventura County St. Patrick’s Day Parade is presented by the Ventura Elks Lodge #1430. The event’s committee is accepting entries for the parade through March 13. For entry forms or more information about the parade, visit www.venturastpatricksdayparade.com, or call 643-4275.