Below is a reprint of the article appearing in the 11/04/14 Contra Costa Times, on-line -- in order: (1) to increase the article's penetration of the community; (2) to keep it "near the surface," for easy reference; (3) to incorporate it into this blog's historical record; (4) to highlight sections for quick review; and (5) to help celebrate and promote the Contra Costa Times as the outstanding source of information it truly is.
Many thanks to Councilmember Ben Johnson, for calling this article to my attention.
Many thanks to Councilmember Ben Johnson, for calling this article to my attention.
David Nelson
P.S. Be sure to remember to visit Antioch-neighbor Frank MacCallister's popular EastCountyLive.com "Spotlight" Event Calendar for more local options. A glimpse at his Facebook page is also a rewarding experience. (bookmarking these would be a fine idea)
P.S. Be sure to remember to visit Antioch-neighbor Frank MacCallister's popular EastCountyLive.com "Spotlight" Event Calendar for more local options. A glimpse at his Facebook page is also a rewarding experience. (bookmarking these would be a fine idea)
East Contra Costa celebrates Veterans Day
Correspondent
Every year on Nov. 11, Veterans Day, communities across the nation come out to show the their support. Through benefit concerts, ceremonies, speakers and parades people recognize veterans, to thank them for their service and to let them know they are supported and appreciated.
Throughout East County, several events have been scheduled, beginning with concerts in Brentwood and Pittsburg on Saturday, leading into Nov. 11 ceremonies in Antioch and Oakley, and concluding with the screening of a documentary in Antioch.
[1.] Pittsburg's California Theatre will begin the festivities at 5 p.m. on Saturday with 2014 featuring Hot For Teacher & Alan Iglesias and Crossfire. Presented by the Veterans Employment Committee of Contra Costa County, this will be the group's second annual VETJAM concert featuring classic rock and Texas blues.
Hot for Teacher will fill the hall with the grooving, unforgettable music of Van Halen while Alan Iglesias will present Stevie Ray Vaughn at his best with his signature sound, guitars and attitude.
[2.] The Brentwood Concert Band also will be honoring veterans with a musical salute on Saturday at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. Under the direction of Carey Hurst and Susan Stuart, the band will perform selections, including "The Star Spangled Banner," "First Suite for Military Band" by Host, "American Civil War Fantasy" by Bilik and several others.
A special guest for the event is the Diablo Regional Concert Band from Martinez, under the direction of Cora Martens, and the Brentwood Flute Choir, under the direction of Carey Hurst, will also perform.
[3.] On Veterans Day, Antioch begins the celebrations at the Antioch Marina with the flyby and arrival of a Huey helicopter, allowing for photo-ops for those who attend the ceremonies, honoring veterans of yesterday and today.
After the presentation of the flags, guest Speaker Clark Strickland, a World War II veteran, will take the podium.
Nonprofit organizations that serve the veterans community will set up at booths and hand out free materials at the marina.
After the ceremonies, the parade, composed of all manner of community entries, will begin. Included in the parade will be marching bands from Deer Valley and Antioch high schools, youth organizations, military vehicles, a veterans motorcycle organization, boy scouts, girl scouts, floats, classic car clubs, and an equestrian riding group.
[4.] Also on Tuesday, the city of Oakley will be honoring all who served with its Third Annual Veterans Day Ceremony. The program includes music, the Presentation of Colors and an opening invocation. Winners of the Military 1 Hero Essay Contest will read their submissions; there will be a three-volley salute, taps and a closing benediction.
Keynote speaker for the event will be former Marine Corps Sgt. Nathan Johnson who served in Pakistan and Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom and is now a service officer for the Contra Costa County Veterans Service Office.
Another important part of the Observance Ceremony will be the unveiling and ribbon cutting of the Veterans Memorial, a blue granite base flying the American flag surrounded by five red granite square columns, representing the five branches of the U.S. military.
[5.] The United Veteran's Council of Pittsburg will begin its Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 11, with a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Pittsburg Kiwanis Club.
Following the breakfast, the ceremony will include several speakers and the placing of wreaths. Pittsburg's United Veteran's Council Honor Guard will present a gun salute and play taps.
[6.] In honor of veterans on Veterans Day, El Campanil Theatre in Antioch will be screening "Chosin," a documentary film that features Korean War veterans who fought in the Chosin Reservoir Campaign, one of most savage and highly decorated battles in American history. Sponsored by the Contra Costa County Library, the film will be followed by a discussion session.
Josie Monaghan of East County Veterans urges the community to come out for these events.
"It's important to honor our veterans on a day that's especially set for them," she said. "This way the community can come out and say thank you for your service and thank you for everything, for stepping up to do what you do."
[A SUMMATION]
VETJAM 2014: Nov. 8, [SAT] 5 p.m., California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg -- http://www.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com/upcoming-events/. Tickets $10, available at theater box office.
Brentwood Concert Band Veterans Day Musical Salute: Nov. 8, 7 p.m., Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. Tickets are available at the door the evening of the concert; $10 adults, 12 and under are free.
Antioch Veterans Day ceremonies and parade: Nov. 11, Antioch Marina, #1 Marina Plaza. Ceremony/helicopter 9:30 a.m., parade 11 a.m. For more information or to enter the parade email josiemonaghan@aol.com.
City of Oakley Observance Ceremony: Nov. 11, Civic Center Park, 3231 Main St.
United Veteran's Council of Pittsburg Veterans Day Ceremony: Nov. 11. Pittsburg Senior Center, 300 Presidio Lane and Harbor Street. Pancake breakfast 8 a.m.-10 a.m.; a small donation for veterans is requested. Ceremony 11 a.m.
"Chosin": Nov. 11, 6:30 p.m., El Campanil Theatre, 604 W. Second St., Antioch. Free and open to all.
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