Several events are planned over the next week to honor military veterans for their service to our country, with Veterans Day falling on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Monday, Nov. 10
On Monday, Nov. 10, the Mullins-Nickerson American Legion Post #108 and the Daughters of the American Revolution wil collaborate for a flag presentation and history event for Pagosa Springs Middle School fifth-graders at 12:15 p.m.
That evening, the Marines of Legion Post #108 will host the annual U.S. Marine Corps birthday celebration — this time honoring the service branch’s 250th birthday, at 6 p.m. at Boss Hogg’s Restaurant and Saloon, located at 157 Navajo Trail Drive, in the Wilderness Room.
The traditional cake-cutting by sword and a video birthday greeting from the Marine Corps headquarters will be featured. The oldest and youngest Marine present will be honored. In addition, the first 25 Marines attending will receive a 250th birthday commemorative gift.
Food and drink may be ordered from the menu and paid for by each attendee, and complementary birthday cake will be served.
Other service members, especially U.S. Navy Corpsmen, are welcome. Dress is casual; however, uniforms are always welcome. Contact Ed Robinson, (970) 731-0718, with any questions.
Tuesday, Nov. 11
Veterans Day will kick off with the annual breakfast hosted by the Pagosa Springs Middle School’s eighth-grade class.
The breakfast will again be held at the Ross Aragon Community Center from 7:30 to 10 a.m.
The Color Guard will hold a flag presentation ceremony at 9 a.m.
All veterans are invited.
At 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, the Honor Guard will hold it’s formal ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park of Archuleta County, with the San Juan Squadron leading the event with a missing man formation flyover at 11 a.m.
That evening, the The Patriotic Order of the Knights of Columbus, Father John Bowe Assembly, invite all veterans to a free spaghetti dinner at Pope John Paul Catholic Church located at 353 S. Pagosa Blvd.
Dinner will be served from 4 to 6 p.m. and will include spaghetti, meatballs, bread, salad, lemonade, water and dessert. Non-veterans are welcome for a $10 donation. There will be a military service video presentation.
Friday, Nov. 14
The week will cap off with Vets4Vets’ second annual dinner and dance at the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association Clubhouse from 5 to 9 p.m.
The event honors veterans in addition to raising funds to directly help local veterans throughout the year.
“It’s an evening for everyone — families, neighbors and friends — to come together in gratitude, reflection and celebration,” organizers state.
According to organizers, guests can look forward to an inspiring evening filled with:
• Recognition and fellowship to honor those who serve.
• Delicious catering featuring BBQ brisket and all the trimmings.
• Live and silent auctions.
• Dance music by the band Smoke and Honey.
Tickets are $49 per person and may be purchased online at http://bit.ly/47teIHo or at the door. All proceeds benefit local veteran support services.
randi@pagosasun.com
>