With Veterans Day approaching on Wednesday, Nov. 11, communities throughout the High Desert are coming together to recognize the men and women who have served our country. Please consider showing your appreciation and supporting our local veterans at these upcoming events.
VA Loma Linda High Desert Community Meal
The Veterans Administration (VA) Loma Linda Healthcare System will host a free community meal and resource event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, Nov. 4, at the Victorville VA Clinic parking lot at 14598 7th Street. The event will offer hot meals, refreshments, Veteran healthcare resources, and opportunities to connect with others in a friendly, welcoming environment. Community members are invited to stop by, share a meal and learn about available support services. Volunteers are also welcome. For more information, contact Briana Green at Briana.green@va.gov.
32nd Annual Tri-Community Veterans Appreciation Dinner
The Tri-Community will honor local veterans during its 32nd Annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 5, at Serrano High School, 9292 Sheep Creek Road in Phelan. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with a complimentary dinner served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Veterans are invited to bring one guest. Tickets are required and limited from Phelan Pizza Factory, Flagstar Bank locations in Phelan and Wrightwood, Victorville Motors, Chick-fil-A and Heritage School in Phelan. Community members can also support the dinner through tax-deductible donations at hdveteransdinner.com.
DAV Chapter 92 Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
Disabled American Veterans Chapter 92 will host a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Applebee’s, 19201 Bear Valley Road in Apple Valley. Tickets are $12 per person and include pancakes, eggs, sausage or bacon, and juice or coffee. Families and friends are encouraged to attend and help raise funds for veterans in the High Desert. For tickets, call 442-229-0063.
3rd Annual Veterans Appreciation BBQ & Car Show
The community is invited to the 3rd Annual Veterans Appreciation BBQ & Car Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Singh Center for the Arts in Apple Valley. This free, family-friendly celebration will recognize 250 years of American freedom and the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66. Enjoy a classic and custom car show, BBQ, food vendors and entertainment while honoring veterans and active-duty military members. For car show and vendor information, call Sylvia Romo at 760-442-0649. For sponsorship and general information, please call Rick Bui at 714-305-2400.
City of Victorville’s 30th Annual Veterans Day Celebration
The City of Victorville will host its 30th Annual Veterans Day Celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in Old Town Victorville. The celebration will begin with a parade at 9 a.m., starting at the corner of 7th Street and Tracy Street and proceeding along 7th Street to Forrest Avenue. A ceremony will immediately follow the parade and can be viewed from the 7th Street and Forrest Avenue area. For more information, visit VictorvilleCA.gov/VeteransDay.
Wrightwood Veterans Memorial Ceremony
The Wrightwood Veterans Memorial Association invites the community to its Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11. The ceremony will honor America’s veterans, including a special tribute to the late Hank Hallmark, a founding member of the memorial and longtime community supporter. A World War II P-51 Mustang, piloted by Wrightwood resident John Hinton, will perform a special flyover. The ceremony will also feature the traditional tolling of the Armistice Bell, quilts presented to veterans by the Wrightwood Quilters, musical performances by Wrightwood students, a military Color Guard from Fort Irwin and a wreath-laying ceremony with local Girl Scouts. Attendees are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early. The Wrightwood Veterans Memorial is located on Evergreen Road between Park Drive and Pine Street in the Village Center.
Hesperia’s Veterans Day Ceremony
The Hesperia Recreation and Park District will host a Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Hesperia Lake Park (7500 Arrowhead Lake Road). The community is invited to honor and recognize the men and women who have proudly served, and continue to serve, in the U.S. military.
Maple Elementary Veterans Day Breakfast
Maple Elementary School in Hesperia invites local veterans to a special Veterans Day celebration from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Veterans are asked to arrive at the front office by 7:50 a.m. at 1066 Maple Avenue, where they will be welcomed onto campus with a police escort. Honored veterans will have the opportunity to lead students in the Pledge of Allegiance and stand with them for the National Anthem. Following the ceremony, the school’s Parent-Teacher Club will host a breakfast, providing an opportunity for veterans and students to connect and celebrate their service. For more information, please call (760) 244-3096.
Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Veterans Mixer
The Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary will host a Veterans Mixer from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at ConsBeeracy in Hesperia. The event will honor local veterans while highlighting veteran entrepreneurs, veteran-owned businesses and veterans service organizations. Attendees can make connections, discover local resources and enjoy live music provided by the Veteran’s Music Connection. For more information, email dav92aux@gmail.com.
Hi-Desert Fly Fishers Club Veterans Appreciation Fly Fishing Event
The Hi-Desert Fly Fishers Club invites veterans, volunteers and community members to a special Veterans Appreciation Fly Fishing Event on Friday, Nov. 13, at Jess Ranch Lakes in Apple Valley. The day will feature fly fishing opportunities, fly-tying demonstrations, fellowship, family-friendly activities, lunch, refreshments, raffles and giveaways. The event is an opportunity to recognize those who served while enjoying the outdoors and connecting with fellow community members. For more information, contact Veterans Coordinator Christine Rettig at hdff4trout@gmail.com or 1crziggy@gmail.com.
Veterans Chili Food Festival
Dempsey’s Pub will host its Veterans Chili Food Festival on Saturday, Nov. 7, beginning at noon and continuing until closing. Admission is $10, with all proceeds benefiting veterans at the Barstow Veterans Home. The event, held in partnership with American Legion Post 855 in Helendale, will also feature a Christmas Angel Tree program to help community members adopt a veteran for the holidays. Attendees can enjoy a variety of chili while supporting local veterans and showing appreciation for their service. The pub is located at 15444 Vista Road, Helendale. Call 760-241-6990 for more information.
Free Admission for Veterans to Regional Parks
San Bernardino County Regional Parks will celebrate Veterans Day with free park admission on Nov. 11 for all county residents who are veterans or active-duty members of the United States Armed Services, including those in the reserves or National Guard. Participating parks, including Mojave Narrows, will offer free vehicle admission so everyone in the car can enjoy a day at Regional Parks. At Calico Ghost Town, the offer applies to one free adult admission for the veteran or active-duty personnel only. A valid military ID or DD214 must be presented for free entry.
Please consider attending one of these events to celebrate the service, sacrifice and dedication of our veterans. As always, please double check times and locations with the individual organizations as plans can change.