Seal Beach Daily

Plan today for Veterans Day ceremonies tomorrow, Nov. 11:

In Seal Beach: Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4048, the American Legion Post #857, their ladies auxiliaries and the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce commemorate Veterans Day at Eisenhower Park on Ocean Boulevard, next to the Seal Beach Pier at 11 a.m. The program will include guest speakers, entertainment, a Color Guard, a memorial wreath, the recitation of the story and song of “Taps,” and the story of “Buddy Poppies.” Click here for program info.

At the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base: VA Long Beach Healthcare System and the California National Guards Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos present “Hats Off To Our Veterans” from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. More than 40 resource booths will be present with information on Veteran’s services and benefits. Entertainment and family activities will be provided including free hair-cuts, pony rides, and free lunch to service members. A special commemorative ceremony will begin at 2:00pm. During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. John S. Harrel, Commander of the California Army National Guard, will conduct a formal Bronze Star presentation to Corporal Manuel Diaz, 142nd Infantry Regiment, for exemplary conduct in ground combat against the armed enemy during world War II. The Bronze Star is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and the ninth highest military award in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations. More info.

The program for the Seal Beach Veteran’s Day Ceremony:

11:00 AM Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Eisenhower Park at Seal Beach Pier

Pre-Program Entertainment: Eddie Montana & Rob Roy, Seal Beach Music Store

Program Introduction: Seth Eaker, President, Chamber of Commerce

OPENING CEREMONY:

MC Jim Crowley, Sr. Vice Cmdr., Vets of Foreign Wars

March In: Post Members Vets of Foreign Wars Post 4048

March In: Post Members American Legion Post 857

Color Guard: Navy Sea Scouts Seal Beach Battalion

Invocation: Pastor Don Shoemaker, Grace Community Church

Pledge of Allegiance: Edward Bond, Jr. Vice Cmdr. Vets of Foreign Wars

POW & MIA Service: Pete Ormsby, Historian, American Legion

Memorial Wreath: Post Commanders VFW 4048 and AL 857

“TAPS” Story & Song: Paul Prudenz, Adjutant, American Legion 857

“TAPS” Bugler: Talon Verner Boy Scout Troop 553, Huntington B

Story of Poppies: Bob Coronado, Chaplain, Vets of Foreign Wars

COMMENTARIES:

Opening Remarks: Cmdr. Jim Crowley, American Legion, Post 857

Opening Remarks: Cmdr. Bill Thomas, Vets of Foreign Wars Post 4048

Special Comments: Dolores Young, President VFW Ladies Auxiliary

Special Comments: Margie Brown, President, AL Ladies Auxiliary

GUEST SPEAKERS:

David Sloan, Mayor Pro Tem City of Seal Beach

Pamela Pike, Pamela Peak Productions

Major Michael Baker, U. S. Army

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, Congressman 46th District

CLOSING CEREMONY:

Benediction: Pastor Don Shoemaker

Retire Colors: Lt. Mike Lewellen, President Navy Sea Scouts, S. B. Battalion

Closing Remarks: Jim Crowley, Cmdr. American Legion