Veterans Day Observance to honor those who fought and died fighting
November 06, 2009
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Veterans are at the top of every Santa Paulan’s list, and many in the community will attend the Wednesday, November 11 Veterans Day Observance staged by Mercer-Prieto VFW Post 2043 to especially remember those who fought, and died fighting, for America.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesVeterans are at the top of every Santa Paulan’s list, and many in the community will attend the Wednesday, November 11 Veterans Day Observance staged by Mercer-Prieto VFW Post 2043 to especially remember those who fought, and died fighting, for America.The Veterans Day Observance will start at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Veterans Memorial, which lists all Santa Paulans who lost their lives in war. Veterans Memorial Park is located directly across the street from City Hall (970 E. Ventura St.), and parking is available at several public lots.Originally known as Armistice Day, the date and time of the annual observance is timed to coincide with the end of World War I on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour when hostilities stopped in 1918.
Each year the Veterans Day Observance features a patriotic concert by the Santa Paula High School Band, led by director Douglas Kandansky. The patriotic program will include the singing of the “Star Spangled Banner” by the Isbell Middle School Condor Chorus, directed by Donna Nelson and accompanied by the SPHS Band.The Condor Chorus will perform more patriotic songs before the Memorial Ceremony. The ceremony involves a roll call of the names of those Santa Paulans who died in war, with responses of “Here!” provided by several members of the VFW Post.Wreaths will be placed at the park’s Veterans and Korean War memorials. Following a prayer will be the Rifle Squad Salute by VFW and Korean War Veterans Association-Ventura County Chapter 56 members. “Taps” will be played before the Condor Chorus and SPHS Band offer more patriotic songs and music.Following the ceremony, a reception featuring refreshments sponsored by Soroptimist International of Santa Paula and SISP President Barbara Kroon will offer time for socializing.