On Saturday, we celebrate Veterans Day — a time to honor and thank our former military members for their selfless service and sacrifice. The First District has several events planned for this special occasion. Here are a few:
- The Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association in Goffs is holding a ceremony and special dedication ceremony for the new Mojave Cross Veterans Memorial Exhibit at 11 a.m. Saturday. The cross was stolen from the Mojave National Preserve in 2010 and later found in Northern California in January 2022. It was donated by Wanda Sandoz to the Goffs Schoolhouse and Museum. Saturday’s event will include a color guard flag ceremony and 21-gun salute from Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW post 9375 & 1508 and guest speaker Col. Erik Gramling from Fort Irwin National Training Center. Lunch is $10, and reservations are required. Veterans are free with a military ID. Children under 12 are also free. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Goffs Schoolhouse, 37198 Lanfair Road, Essex. Spaces are limited. To reserve your spot, register here.
- Victor Valley College’s 8th Annual Veterans Day event will take place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday at the Veterans Resource Center, building 80.01C. All Veterans are invited to enjoy food, prizes and fellowship. Victor Valley College is also hosting a Veterans Day Concert and USO Tribute Show at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the Performing Arts Center. Students and Veterans are free.
- City of Victorville’s 27th Annual Veterans Day Celebration will take place from 8:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, in Old Town Victorville. The event begins with a Freedom Mile Fun Run/Walk at 8:45 a.m. followed by the parade at 9 a.m., beginning at the corner of 7th Street and Tracy Street. The Veterans Day Ceremony immediately follows the parade at approximately 9:30 a.m.
- The Wrightwood Veterans Memorial is planning a special Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday, featuring presentations, music and touching tributes to our Veterans. To order Memorial Honor Bricks, call (760) 900-9004. The Memorial is located at 1274 Evergreen Road. For Information call (760) 900-2763.
- Hesperia Recreation and Park District will host its annual Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday at Hesperia Lake Park. The ceremony will be followed by live music and vendors from noon to 4 p.m. The park is located at 7500 Arrowhead Lake Road. For more information, visit HesperiaParks.com.
- Operation Dirtbike Freedom is hosting a free Veterans Day ride at 10 a.m. Saturday. All military and Veterans are invited to enjoy free dirt biking and/or target shooting in the Mojave Desert, just north of Victorville. A BBQ will follow. Kids are welcome, and bikes/gear are included.
- In Apple Valley, residents will gather for the annual Veteran’s Day on the Overpass from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Participants are invited to gather on the Dale Evans Parkway overpass above Interstate 15 to wave their patriotic flags and signs.
In addition to the ceremonies listed above, there are a number of other ways to honor and thank veterans on Veterans Day:
- Visit the Barstow Veterans Home, or a local nursing home, and spend time with the veterans there.
- Donate to a veterans organization or charity.
- Fly the American flag.
- Say “thank you” to a veteran when you see them.