School will be out, there will be no mail delivery, banks will be closed and businesses have the option of closing for the observance of Veterans’ Day on Monday, Nov. 11. Escalon city offices will also be closed for the day but the community is invited to come out for the downtown morning parade, a ceremony following that at the Memorial Wall at the Community Center, and stay for the chicken barbecue after the ceremony.

Veterans’ Day will begin with the parade at 10:30 a.m., and Angelo Blanco will be Grand Marshal this year. (See story and photo, page A3.)

Escalon American Legion and American Legions Riders of Post 263 are coordinating festivities and said they especially want to recognize women veterans this year. All are welcome to the parade and post member Mark Sward urged attendees to also attend the ceremony at the Memorial Wall. That typically includes the laying of a memorial wreath, music, a guest speaker and more.

Following that ceremony, the Legion Post hosts a barbecued chicken dinner, with sit down and take-out orders both available. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 years and under.

Parade coordinator this year is Vince Giovaniello and he can be reached at 209-604-9100 for more information on how to participate in the parade.

Tickets for the barbecue are available from Legion members or by contacting Al Bellinger at 838-3388.

Also, the community can attend a special program this Friday, Nov. 8 at Escalon High School, where the Leadership Class is planning a Veterans’ Day Rally and has invited local veterans to come and take part in those festivities. The assembly will be hosted on Friday afternoon at 2 p.m.