This Veterans Day, the First District is brimming with events to honor our local heroes. Here’s a rundown of some key happenings you won’t want to miss:
- Today Through Nov. 10 — Disabled American Veterans Chapter 92 is holding its annual “Forget-Me-Not Drive” with donation and information booths placed at Apple Valley Stater Bros. locations. “National Forget-Me-Not Day reminds us about the sacrifices Veterans have made, and our duty to care for them,” said DAV Chapter 92 president Bill Kinnard. The flower symbolizes respect, service, and sacrifice and is a reminder not to forget those who fought and became disabled in the war. For more information, contact Gregory Seidel at (760) 508-1056 or email BillKinnardChapter@DAV92HighDesert.com
- Nov. 8 — Victor Valley College Veterans Resource Center will be hosting its annual “Thank You Veterans” event from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.. The VRC is located in Bldg. 80.01C, on lower campus. If you have any questions, please contact the VRC Staff at (760) 245-4271 ext. 2245 or email vrc@vvc.edu.
- Nov. 9 — A High Desert Veterans Appreciation BBQ will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Singh Performing Arts Center in Apple Valley. The event will feature a classic car show, live music from Groove Hunters, and food provided by Down Range BBQ. Veterans are invited to enjoy a free lunch as a token of appreciation for their service. The BBQ is hosted by the Apple Valley Rotary Club, the VFW, and DAV Bill Kinnard Chapter 92.
- Nov. 9 — The Phelan Boy Scouts will hold their flag retirement and recruiting event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at VFW Post 9415 in Phelan. The event will include a flag presentation at the top of every hour, and tours of the Cal Fire fire truck. A $10 donation is suggested for the hot dog and hamburger lunch. Proceeds go toward Friends of Scouting, which helps fund Scouts who may not be able to afford the program. The Post is located at 4892 Nielson Rd, Phelan. For more information, call (760) 868-1999.
- Nov. 10 — The Victor Valley Marine Corps League Detachment 1383 invites the community to celebrate the 249th Marine Corps Birthday from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Top Town Cafe in Crestline. Enjoy an evening of music, networking and camaraderie. There will be a cake ceremony at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Feel free to wear any type of Marine attire if you’d like, but there’s no formal dress code. An open menu and drinks will be available for purchase throughout the event. For more information, contact Mike Brewer at micbrewerusmc@aol.com.
- Nov. 10 — Haven for Horses Rescue Inc. is hosting a free Veterans Day lunch at 2 p.m. to honor and thank veterans for their service. As a token of appreciation, they are also introducing their new Heroes Healing with Horses program, a free service designed to support veterans, active military, and first responders. To RSVP and secure your spot, please call 760-217-7717.
- Nov. 11 — VFW Post 9415 in Phelan will hold its Veterans Day celebration on Monday at 11 a.m. This event is free to attend and will include a short service, a POW/MIA presentation, and a potluck lunch. The Post is located at 4892 Nielson Rd, Phelan. For more information, call (760) 868-1999.
- Nov. 11 — City of Hesperia’s annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial, located at Hesperia Lake Park, 7500 Arrowhead Lake Rd., Hesperia. All active and retired military personnel, their families, and members of the public are invited to attend the ceremony. For more information, please call 760-244-5488.
- Nov. 11 — The City of Victorville is inviting the community to celebrate its 28th Annual Veterans Day Celebration. The festivities kick off at 9 a.m. with a parade starting at the corner of 7th Street and Tracy, proceeding to the corner of 7th Street and Forrest Avenue. The Disabled American Veterans Chapter 92 will participate in the Victorville Veterans Day Parade and will be hosting a float for all disabled Veterans to ride in. They will be setting up the float at 7:30 a.m. at Mojave Road and 7th Street in Victorville. After the parade, the City of Victorville will be honoring local Veterans with a ceremony. Community members are encouraged to participate.
- Nov. 11 — The Wrightwood Veterans Memorial will host their 2024 Veterans Day Ceremony on Evergreen Road, between Park Drive and Pine St, in the Village of Wrightwood. Along with honoring all military Veterans who have served the country, the event will feature a meaningful hour of patriotism, music, and inspirational words.
- Nov. 11 — On Veterans Day, from 5 p.m. until closing, the Golden Corral (12845 Main St. Hesperia) will be giving away free dinners to all Veterans. The DAV Auxiliary will be having a donation and information booth at Golden Corral to help support its national partnership.
- Nov. 13 — The 30th annual High Desert Veteran’s Dinner will take place from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Serrano High School gymnasium in Phelan. Tickets are free for a veteran and one guest. Tickets are available at Flagstar Banks in Wrightwood and Phelan, Pizza Factory, Victorville Motors, A-Tech Transmission, and the Heritage School front office. For more information, go to HDVeteransDinner.com