One of the busiest holidays around our Post is Veterans Day, and for good reason! There’s a lot going on around our area to honor and recognize those of us who have put on the uniform and served our nation. Besides the many school appearances our members made around the region and getting free meals at some restarants, we were also engaged in a number of local veteran-focused events.
Flag Folding at Wenatchee Memory Care
On November 5th, we had a get together with the veterans living at Wenatchee Memory Care (formerly CIEL) on Red Apple Road in Wenatchee. We brought a special flag and members of our Post & Auxiliary Color Guard to perform a 13-Fold Flag Ceremony for the residents. Afterwards, we sat in the soda fountain area with the vets and talked about a myriad of subjects they brought up for discussion for about 40 minutes. Some had recollections of their military service; to others, it was just as important to talk about the weather or the common theme of “What’s for lunch?” Overall, it was nice to spend time with the residents and we’re looking forward to our next visit.
Hanging with the Wild
Saturday, November 8th was the annual Veterans and Military Appreciation Night with the Wenatchee Wild at the Town Toyota Center (TTC). The team donated free tickets to veterans, first responders, and their families to watch a match against another Western Hockey League team, the Prince George Cougars. We had about a dozen members in attendance and overall, there was a large crowd of veterans in attendance that night. The Wild went on to win the hard fought match 2-1.
Our U.S. Navy Shore Patrol Jeep, Annabelle, was parked right on the concourse inside the TTC. The jeep was a natural attraction to most of the military veterans in attendance that night.
Wenatchee Valley Veterans Day Parade
Nice weather on Tuesday ensured a good turnout of entries and supporters at the Wenatchee Veterans Parade this year. We had our 1957 Shore Patrol Jeep in the mix of military vehicles and provided our flatbed trailer to Chapel of the Valley so they could transport veterans that wanted to be in the parade. We even had a few members who handed out stick flags along the route thanks to Comrades Jim Reece and Steve Turner.
Wenatchee Valley Veterans Luncheon at Pybus
After the parade, a free BBQ was hosted at Pybus by the Wenatchee Valley Fire Department. There was music, resources for veterans, face painting for those interested in bringing their family, and artwork on display from our community’s children thanking veterans for their service and camaraderie of fellow veterans. Over 350 meals were served to our veteran community. Thanks WVFD!
