The Anthem community will once again come together to pay heartfelt tribute to its veterans in an elaborate Veterans Day ceremony scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Community Park, located at 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy.
The event, which has become an annual pilgrimage for many, will be held from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., culminating in a breathtaking solar illumination of the Great Seal of the United States through the ellipses of the five military service pillars at the Anthem Veterans Memorial. This awe-inspiring phenomenon will take place at 11:11 a.m., paying homage to the Armistice.
This year’s theme, “Honor. Salute. Support,” encapsulates the sentiments of the community towards its veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families. The event will commence early in the day with several pre-ceremony activities:
From 8:15 a.m. to 10 a.m., the Tennessee Grill will offer a special Veterans Day menu for those wishing to enjoy breakfast. Concurrently, attendees can revel in music and videos on the LED screens, highlighting the stories and experiences of Vietnam War-era veterans.
A noteworthy segment of the event is the pinning ceremony for Vietnam War era veterans and surviving spouses. In association with the U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration and Daisy Mountain Veterans, the ceremony will be awarding the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Vietnam War pin. This acknowledges the sacrifices made between November 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975.
Furthermore, charitable efforts will also be in full swing. The Youth for Troops tent on the South Lawn will be hosting activities from 8:15 a.m. to 10 a.m., encouraging attendees to decorate cards and boxes to send to our troops overseas, fostering a sense of community involvement. They are also conducting a collection drive aiming to prepare 800 holiday care packages for deployed troops. Additionally, Daisy Mountain Veterans will be accepting donations for their Holiday Helpers program, supporting local families in need during the festive season.
The main ceremony, taking place on the North and South Lawns, will feature special tributes honoring the United States Coast Guard, marking significant anniversaries like the end of the Vietnam War, the armistice of the Korean War, and the establishment of the US Naval Women Aviators. CWO Michael Tapp (USCG, Ret.), with 27 years of dedicated service to the Coast Guard, is set to deliver the much-anticipated keynote address.
As the morning progresses, all eyes will be on the Anthem Veterans Memorial at 11:11 a.m. The sun’s rays will pierce through the ellipses of the five military branch pillars, casting a pristine spotlight on the Great Seal of the United States, surrounded by 5400 veteran commemorative pavers in the newly expanded Circle of Honor.
For more information, visit onlineatanthem.com/events/anthemveteransday.php
