The community is invited to honor veterans at a short, 30-minute Veterans Day Program set for 11 a.m. on Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11, at the American Legion-Jack Grennan Post 62, 107 E. Prairie St., in Sequim.
The program includes a flag line by Post 29’s Legion Riders, the Pledge of Allegiance with children from the after-school Junior American Citizens Club, and a speech from Clallam County Commissioner Mark Ozias.
Daughters of the America Revolution members across the nation are partnering with the Society of the Honor Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to observe the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Nov. 11 with a national salute. The salute consists of three parts: 1) a replica of the liberty bell will be rung 21 count, while listeners are asked to “pause, show their gratitude and render their highest honors to the people’s unsung valor,” organizers say; 2) a two-minute moment of silence, the first for those who have already sacrificed and the second minute for those who will sacrifice in the future, and 3) the playing of “Taps” by the Legion Rider Post 29 bugler.
The entire community is welcome. Refreshments of hot dogs, cookies, and beverages will be served after the program.
Free hot air balloon rides for veterans
Veterans are invited to enjoy a free hot air balloon ride at Sinclair Place, 680 West Prairie St., Sequim, between 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11.
Attendees are welcomed to take a seat and wait at the warming station and sip some cocoa until their turn comes up, organizers say. All veterans will also receive a gift bag.
Attendees are welcome to take a tour of Sinclair Place and enter a drawing for a basket give-away.
The balloon is ADA-accessible, riders sit in a secured seat with a five-point harness on a tethered ride.
Dream Catcher Balloon, a nonprofit organization, gives riders a 360-degree-view hot air balloon ride up to 25 feet in the air for everyone including veterans, seniors, mobility challenged and people with disabilities.
This event is also open to the general public and those wishing to ride are encouraged to sign up in advance. Space is limited and on a first-come basis (veterans move to the front of the line). Donations are received and each $25 donation supports a free ride for a veteran.
Weather restrictions will apply (no rides in rain or winds). Updates on the weather and event information are posted online at facebook.com/DreamCatcherBalloon.
For more information, visit DreamCatcherBalloon.org or contact executive director Captain-Crystal at 360-601-2433 or Dreamer@nwplace.com.
Gardiner ceremony set
The Naval Seabee personnel from Bangor will be conducting a ceremony to honor Marvin Shields and other veterans on Wednesday, Nov. 10. The ceremony starts at 10:30 a.m. at Gardiner Community Cemetery, 137 Gardiner Cemetery Road; parking is limited so carpooling is encouraged.
Construction Mechanic Third Class Petty Officer Marvin G. Shields is the only Navy Seabee to have received the Medal of Honor. Their motto is “we build, we fight,” and when called on, Seabees provide construction, general engineering and combat support.
Shields was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966 for his heroic actions near Dong Xoai, Vietnam, on June 9, 1965.
Born and raised in the Port Townsend/Sequim area before he joined the U. S. Navy, Shields was sent to Vietnam in May 1965. Late night on June 9, 1965, the camp was awakened by an attack of more than 2,000 enemy soldiers. The firefight lasted through the night and for most of the next day. Shields helped run ammunition to U.S. military members engaged in the fight.
When a call came for a volunteer to take out an enemy machine gun nest, Shields didn’t hesitate. Firing a weapon he had never used before, his third shot accomplished the mission. As Shields returned to his fighting position he was mortally wounded.
PA grange sets veterans appreciation event
Fairview Grange, at 161 Lake Farm Road, Port Angeles, is hosting a Drive-Through Appreciation for veterans from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at the grange. Veterans are encouraged to stop by to get small token of appreciation.
Attendees will not need to get out of their car, as grange members follow COVID-19 guidelines.
For more information, call Patti Morris at 360-461-9008.
