Plans are already being made for the Tuesday, Nov. 11 observance of Veterans Day in Escalon, with a parade, memorial service and barbecue. Escalon American Legion Post 263 is coordinating the festivities and will be rendering honors to all veterans on Nov. 11.

Sign-ups are being accepted now for the parade, which will start at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 11, making its way along a route in the downtown area. Entries must be received by Nov. 3.

Following the parade, a brief memorial ceremony is hosted at the Veterans Wall adjacent to the Community Center along Escalon-Bellota Road, with a chicken barbecue then served inside the center.

Parade coordinator Vince Giovaniello said they also hope to have a flyover of historic aircraft between 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. that day, just prior to the start of the parade.

“Our veterans feel it is important to honor those still held as Prisoners of War or who are still missing from our ranks and honor the memory of those who gave their lives for our freedoms,” Giovaniello said. “During the parade, the American Legion Color Guard will show this honor at the flagpole on Main Street, near the caboose.”

There, the Color Guard will stop, as will the entire parade, for a moment of silence and playing of Taps.

Tickets for the chicken barbecue will be available at the door at the completion of the parade and ceremonies. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. Lunch is served from noon to 3 p.m.

For more information or to sign up for the parade, contact Giovaniello at 209-869-6978 or 209-604-9100.