Veterans Day, Nov. 11, will fall on a Monday this year, but the events honoring the day will begin Saturday, Nov. 9, with a dinner and dance fundraiser hosted by Vets 4 Vets at the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association Clubhouse at 230 Port Ave.
The event is scheduled to go from 5 to 9 p.m., and will also feature live music and a silent auction. Tickets for the event can be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veterans-day-dinner-and-dance-tickets-1022620053107.
On Sunday, Nov.10, Boss Hogs restaurant will host the 249th Marine Corps birthday celebration dinner from 6 to 8 p.m.
On Monday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, celebrations will begin at 7:30 a.m with the 23rd annual Veterans Day breakfast hosted by the Pagosa Springs Middle School (PSMS) at the Ross Aragon Community Center.
PSMS Principal Chris Hinger writes in an email to The SUN, “This very patriotic event includes a flag folding ceremony, patriotic music, and this year, we will be specifically honoring our Vietnam Veterans. It is a great way for our community to say thank you and for our 8th graders to learn more about our Veterans and their service to our country.”
Archuleta County Veteran Services Officer Raymond Taylor encouraged all veterans to come out and give kids the opportunity to meet and speak with veterans of all kinds.
The flag-folding ceremony will take place at 9 a.m.
“Any veteran is invited, and their spouse,” Taylor said.
Taylor also mentioned the PSMS band will be performing, along with a community choir that will perform the national anthem.
“It’s quite special for me,” Taylor said, explaining the celebration gives the opportunity for kids to learn more about the military.
At 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, there will be a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park located at 220 Vista Blvd. that will feature a fly-over ceremony.
The last event planned on Nov.11, is a spaghetti dinner hosted by the Knights of Columbus at Pope John Paul II Church at 353 S. Pagosa Blvd.
The dinner begins at 4 p.m. and is free for all veterans; all others will be charged $10 for the dinner.
Operation Green Light
For the second year, Archuleta County is participating in Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide initiative counties participate in to show support for veterans by lighting buildings with green lights from Nov. 4 to Nov. 11.
According to the National Association of counties, “By shining a green light, county governments and our residents will let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated and supported.”
Photos of residences or businesses participating in Operation Green Light can be submitted to the county at pio@archuletacounty.org.
For more information about the initiative, call (970) 989-2073.
clayton@pagosasun.com
