Veterans honored at annual ceremony

Following the annual parade, elected officials, veterans and civilians recognized and thanked those who served the country during a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Hall.

“For those of us who serve and continue to serve, I applaud you,” said the event’s guest speaker, Sierra Army Depot Commander Lt. Col. Russell Henry.

“There is nobody that can change my mind: The strength of our nation is the United States military,” Henry later said.

During the annual ceremony, hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, William Davidson Post 2381, American Legion Thomas Tucker Post 204, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2381 Ladies Auxiliary, American Legion Post 204 Ladies Auxiliary and the Soaring Eagle Blue Star Moms, mayor Kevin Stafford and supervisor Chris Gallagher presented proclamations from the Susanville City Council and Lassen County Board of Supervisors recognizing Veterans

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Day.

Lassen High School Cadet Corps also assisted during the ceremony with Katrina Davenport singing the National Anthem and C/SSG Brentan Meadows playing “Taps” on the trumpet.

VFW, William Davidson Post 2381 Chaplain Anthony Lares gave the invocation and benediction, and Post Commander Donald Moose led the program.

Although the initial guest speaker, Eugene Williams Pasqua, from the U.S. Marines, Korea, was unable to attend the ceremony, Henry, who served in the army and comes from a family who served in various branches of the military, heeded the call.

The SIAD commander went on to say he is grateful for every veteran, noting about 30 percent of the workforce at the depot are vets.

He also thanked families for their sacrifices for the country.

Overall, he asked attendees to think about what we have because of veterans, including freedom of religion and speech.

“Just think about all the many things we take for granted (this Veterans Day),” Henry said.

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Following the program, a free lunch was provided to the community.