A good-sized crowd lined both sides of Escalon’s Main Street on Friday morning, Nov. 11 as the community turned out to observe Veterans Day.
Starting with the annual parade, stepping off at 10:30 a.m., the Escalon American Legion Post 263 Cologuard led the way, followed by this year’s Grand Marshal, veteran and Post member John Blowers. The parade stopped briefly at the historic caboose in Main Street Park for a flag ceremony, then continued on its way.
Several entries were featured in the parade, including bagpipe player and veteran Phil McGill, the Modesto Shriners with their ‘mini-lizzies’ and several members of the E Clampus Vitus, San Joaquin Chapter. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department provided an equestrian team along with a K9 unit, Robert Longstreth and son Evan Longstreth each drove a classic truck, while Vietnam veteran Terry Barrett had his 1956 Chevy Bel Air with matching turquoise travel trailer in the parade line up as well. Veteran Dave Leer and wife Martha rode in style in a 1948 Ford Super Deluxe Coupe and other groups taking part included the Escalon 4-H Club, Powerhouse Dance Studio, Escalon Ambulance and Escalon Fire Department.
Then, it was off to the Escalon Community Center for a special ceremony. Escalon High School band and choir, along with the El Portal Middle School band, provided music and guest speaker for the 11:30 a.m. ceremony at the Memorial Wall was Pastor Brent Pennings, Associate Pastor of the Escalon Christian Reformed Church.
He said the goal of the day was to “express gratitude, appreciation and deepest thanks” to those who have served and are serving this country.
“They defend the values, morals and democratic principles of this great nation,” Pennings told the crowd.
He provided a brief history of Veterans Day and said while Memorial Day is designed to honor those who gave the supreme sacrifice, Veterans Day is set aside to honor all those who have served and those that continue their service.
“I would also like to thank the families, as well, for their sacrifice,” Pennings said. “Maybe the younger generation does not appreciate how much has been given to us … teach your children and your grandchildren to give thanks to those who have served.”
Ultimately, he said, observing Veterans Day is an important way to recognize service members.
“You are appreciated … your service was and is so very important to our nation,” Pennings said.
Wreaths were placed at the Memorial Wall and also at a monument adjacent to the Escalon Community Center and a 21-gun salute was performed, followed by Taps. The gathering was then adjourned; many of the crowd stayed to dine in at the community center for a chicken and rib barbecue, while others stood in the line for their take-out orders, wrapping up the celebration. Prior to excusing the group, Legion Post Chaplain Casey Den Ouden welcomed all veterans to join in with the local post, nothing that they have meetings once a month, on the second Tuesday at 7 p.m., at the Post rooms on Second Street.
