Lake Arrowhead is set to honor veterans with a grand ceremony at Arrowhead Ridge on November 11, 2024. The event will feature speeches, music, flag ceremonies, and special presentations. Veterans, families, and community members will gather to pay tribute to those who served. The day’s activities include a formal ceremony, essay contest awards, and a flag retirement ritual, showcasing the community’s deep respect for veterans.
What Are the Main Events Planned for Veterans Day in Lake Arrowhead?
The centerpiece of Lake Arrowhead’s Veterans Day celebrations is the ceremony at Arrowhead Ridge. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the event:
- Veterans Day Ceremony
- Date: November 11, 2024
- Time: 11:00 AM
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Location: New Veteran’s Monument, Arrowhead Ridge, Grass Valley Road
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Flag Retirement Ceremony
- Time: 2:00 PM
- Location: VFW Post 9624, 21841 Crest Forest Drive, Cedarpines Park
Who Are the Key Speakers and Performers at the Ceremony?
The Veterans Day ceremony will feature several notable speakers and performers:
- USN Corpsman Clifford “Doc” Bennett: Guest speaker
- Mountain Fifes and Drums Corps: Providing introductory music
- Local veterans: Delivering speeches
- Boy and Girl Scout troops: Participating in the flag ceremony
What Special Presentations Will Take Place During the Event?
The ceremony will include several special presentations:
- Quilts of Valor: Presented by Blue Star Moms
- New banners: Unveiled by Blue Star Moms
- VFW’s Voices of Democracy essay contest: Winners announced
- Patriot Pen contest: Winners announced and cash awards presented
How Can Attendees Access the Ceremony Site?
Accessibility and parking arrangements have been made to accommodate all attendees:
- On-site parking: Limited and reserved for disabled individuals
- Remote parking: Available at Alpine Conference Center across Grass Valley Road
- Free transportation: Provided by Mountain Transit from remote parking to the ceremony site
- Traffic control: Managed by Citizens on Patrol
What Amenities Will Be Provided for Attendees?
The organizers have ensured comfort and convenience for all participants:
- Sun protection: Easy-ups will be set up
- Seating: Several hundred chairs provided
- Additional seating: Attendees encouraged to bring collapsible chairs if desired
- Refreshments: Offered by Crest Forest Senior Citizens Club and local churches
How Can the Public Participate in the Flag Retirement Ceremony?
The flag retirement ceremony offers a unique opportunity for public involvement:
- Time: 2:00 PM, following the main ceremony
- Location: VFW Post 9624, 21841 Crest Forest Drive, Cedarpines Park
- Public participation: Attendees invited to donate flags for the ceremony
- Procedure: Flags will be formally retired by fire
What Educational Initiatives Are Part of the Veterans Day Events?
The Veterans Day celebrations in Lake Arrowhead include educational components:
- VFW’s Voices of Democracy Essay Contest
- Participants: Local students
- Recognition: Winners announced during the ceremony
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Awards: Cash prizes for top entries
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Patriot Pen Contest
- Focus: Patriotic themes
- Participants: Youth from the community
- Awards: Cash prizes and public recognition
These contests encourage young people to reflect on the importance of veterans and patriotism in American society.
How Is the Community Involved in Organizing the Events?
The Veterans Day celebrations in Lake Arrowhead are a true community effort:
| Organization | Contribution |
|---|---|
| VFW Auxiliary 9624 | Overall coordination |
| Boy and Girl Scout troops | Flag ceremony participation |
| Blue Star Moms | Quilt and banner presentations |
| Mountain Transit | Free transportation services |
| Citizens on Patrol | Traffic management |
| Crest Forest Senior Citizens Club | Refreshments |
| Local churches | Refreshments |
This collaborative approach highlights the strong community spirit in Lake Arrowhead and the collective desire to honor veterans.
What Makes Lake Arrowhead’s Veterans Day Celebration Unique?
Lake Arrowhead’s Veterans Day celebration stands out for several reasons:
- Scenic location: The ceremony takes place at the new Veteran’s Monument on Arrowhead Ridge, offering a picturesque backdrop.
- Community involvement: Various local organizations contribute to make the event successful.
- Diverse activities: The day includes a formal ceremony, music performances, educational contests, and a flag retirement ritual.
- Intergenerational participation: From youth essay contestants to veteran speakers, the event spans generations.
- Accessibility focus: Efforts to ensure all community members can attend, including transportation arrangements.
How Can Individuals Get More Information About the Events?
For those seeking additional details about Lake Arrowhead’s Veterans Day celebrations:
- Contact: Maureen Mann, Veterans Day program coordinator
- Organization: VFW Auxiliary 9624
- Additional resources: Check local community boards and the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce website for updates
Lake Arrowhead’s Veterans Day celebrations exemplify the community’s dedication to honoring those who have served. From the solemn ceremony at Arrowhead Ridge to the educational initiatives and the flag retirement ritual, the events offer multiple ways for residents and visitors to pay their respects. The collaborative effort behind these celebrations showcases the strong community spirit that makes Lake Arrowhead a special place to commemorate Veterans Day.
References:
1. Veterans Day ceremony slated for Arrowhead Ridge
2. Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce