Hula’s restaurant in Escalon will be hosting its fourth annual Free Meals for Veterans program on Monday, Nov. 11. Veterans are invited to come in at any time during open hours on Monday to enjoy a meal. Tony Victorino of Hula’s reported last year they provided over 100 free meals to veterans from throughout the region and look forward to honoring those who have served by offering the meals once again this year on Veterans Day.

The free meals event is just one activity in the community on Veterans Day, which will also feature the downtown parade and a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Wall adjacent to the Community Center.

Hosted by the local American Legion Gustafson-Thompson Post, the parade will start at 10:30 a.m. Monday, taking off from Coley Avenue and following the downtown parade route along First Street to Main.

After the conclusion of the parade, the memorial service adjacent to the Community Center will begin about 11:15 a.m., featuring a guest speaker, the laying of wreaths and more.

Then, the traditional barbecue lunch will be available, with $15 tickets for adults, children 12 and under $6.

Being recognized as the Grand Marshal for the parade this year is George Tavares, a 10-year member of the Gustafson-Thompson Post.

Veterans Day is a federal holiday, with banks, the Post Office, federal, state and local government offices closed. There is no school and businesses have the option of closing.

All in the community are encouraged to attend the Nov. 11 parade and ceremony to recognize the service and sacrifice of veterans.