Veterans to be honored on Saturday

Canyon Lake residents are invited to take part in the 9th annual Veterans Day Celebration on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Canyon Lake Towne Center.

The patriotic celebration is held to honor veterans for their love of country and willingness to serve, their sacrifice for the common good and patriotism.

The POA will serve pastries and coffee prior to the start of the celebration.

The celebration will commence with the Warbirds West planes flying over the Towne Center at 10:15 a.m. The flyover is courtesy of residents David and Barbara Spraul who make a generous donation each year to make the flyover possible.

Bert Barbay, veteran and 15-year resident of Canyon Lake, will serve as this year’s master of ceremonies. Resident Jill Batinich will give a presentation on Canyon Lake being a Purple Heart city. Resident DJ Mike Shroyer of Good Times Entertainment will be providing the sound system and patriotic music. The Canyon Lake Choraleers will lead the crowd in singing the National Anthem and the service anthems for each military branch. As in past years, veterans of all five service branches are encouraged to stand during the singing of their service anthems.

Elsinore High School Flying Tiger Jr. ROTC will post the colors. Cub Scouts will be passing out the flags and programs again this year. Cub Scouts will also be collecting old flags for proper disposal.

A floral wreath will be placed at the Veterans Memorial Monument and will remain there for a week for all to enjoy. One rose for each Canyon Lake veteran who passed away this year will be placed in the urn next to the monument along with one rose for the unknown veterans.

A free drawing will be held for veterans to win a “Quilt of Valor” quilt created by the Canyon Lake Quilters.

With an expected crowd of 500, residents are encouraged to arrive early. Golf carts will provide shuttle service for those who need assistance getting from their car to the seating area.

Hot dogs, compliments of Canyon Lake Market and Coldwell Banker, will be served after the ceremony.

Those who wish to make a donation to this event should contact Canyon Lake Mayor Pro Tem and Veterans Day Chair Vicki Warren at vwarren@cityofcanyonlake.com.

The country club will have a limited menu from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Veterans and active duty military can get a free slice of apple pie.

The Pro Shop at the country club is offering a 25 percent discount on merchandise during the entire month of November for veterans and active duty military.

The lodge is offering a special Veterans Day brunch on Sunday. The price is $24.95 for adults, $17.50 for veterans and military personnel, $12.95 for children ages five to 12 and free for children four and younger with one paid adult. Reservations are recommended.