Members of the Escalon High School First Responders program will be putting on a special tribute to veterans this week.
“The Veterans Day Memorial is to recognize veterans from all branches. It will be a day full of presentations and honoring the U.S. Military Veterans,” instructor Su Davis said of the Thursday, Nov. 9 program. “The event will be going on between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.; it is open to all veterans and parents.”
Those planning to attend should just check in at the high school office. The tribute will be hosted in the Performing Arts Center, the site of the 9-11 Tribute the First Responder program students have put on for the past few years.
Also, a special program is planned in the main gym on the high school campus for Thursday afternoon to honor veterans as well. There is no school on Friday, with that day serving as the official holiday observance so the programs on campus are both scheduled for Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Escalon American Legion Post 263 and the American Legion Riders will be hosting Veterans Day Memorial Services on Saturday, Nov. 11 for all in the community.
The day will start with a parade downtown, lining up on Coley Avenue and continuing on to First Street and then turning on to Main Street. The parade will step off at 10:30 a.m.
There is a brief pause for a flag ceremony, a moment of silence and the playing of Taps at the Main Street Park caboose during the parade. Then, once all the entries have completed the route, attendees will be able to move on to the Escalon Community Center for more events. A Memorial Ceremony will be staged at the Veterans Memorial Wall at the Community Center, corner of Escalon Aveue and Arthur Road, with music, guest speakers and more.
Following the formal ceremony, those attending can also sit down for a chicken or ribs barbecue lunch. Tickets are $12 and you can eat in at the Community Center or take it to go. Pre-sale tickets are available and lunch tickets will also be available at the door.
The barbecue luncheon runs from noon to 3 p.m.; for tickets, call Post member Al Bellinger at 209-838-3388.
