City honors veterans with celebration

The City of Canyon Lake honored veterans for their service and sacrifices at its 10th annual Veterans Day Celebration on Saturday. The event was hosted by the city and the Canyon Lake Veterans Day Committee and emceed by Mayor Vicki Warren and Mayor Pro Tem Larry Greene.

The celebration kicked off with a flyover by the Warbirds West followed by the posting of the flag and colors by the Elsinore High School Flying Tigers Junior ROTC under the direction of Major Charles Ruhl. Three-year-old Tegan Perry sang the National Anthem.

The invocation was presented by Chaplin Quinn Hawley, retired U.S. Navy captain. This year’s keynote speaker was Sgt. Major David Sibley of the California Military Institute.

The names of the Canyon Lake Veterans who passed away this year were read by Fran Tibbet. Members of their families placed roses in their honor in the urn next to the monument in the Veterans Memorial Park. A wreath was also placed at the monument.

Canyon Lake resident Adam McNaughton, who is currently serving in the U.S. Navy, recited “Old Glory.”

Former Canyon Lake Mayor Nancy Horton presented the history of the Canyon Lake Veterans Memorial Park and resident Jill Batinich presented the history of the Canyon Lake Veterans Day Committee.

Reta LeBlanc of 4 Paws 4 Patriots presented the organization’s mission and program.

Mike Shroyer of Good Time Entertainment provided the sound system and patriotic music. The Canyon Lake Choraleers performed “God Bless America,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and the “Gettysburg Address.”

The programs and flags were handed out by members of Canyon Lake Boy Scouts Troop 346, who also performed the Scout Pledge on stage.

The Canyon Lake Quilters presented Mark Bora with a “Quilt of Valor” quilt. Mark was chosen through a free raffle held for Canyon Lake veterans. Four Canyon Lake veterans also won oil paintings created and donated by artist Rita Forland.

Canyon Lake POA provided light refreshments at the start of the celebration and Coldwell Banker and Canyon Lake Market served complimentary hotdogs after the celebration.

In 2009, the Canyon Lake Veterans Day Committee was established to formalize a local event honoring the veterans in the community. Members of the community who currently serve on the committee are Mayor Vicki Warren, Councilman Jordan Ehrenkranz, Debby Gagnon, Fran Tibbet, Donna Lovejoy, Karen Bevans, Jill Batinich, Bert Barbay, Carrie Pratt, Erica Toney, Harry Larson, Karen Doherty, Nancy Carroll, Larry Garland and Christina Taltoan.

The city would like to thank the following sponsors of this year’s Veterans Day Celebration: Premium Sponsors: City of Canyon Lake, David and Barbara Spraul, Canyon Lake Car Club, Canyon Lake Men’s Golf Club and CR&R Environmental Services; Gold Sponsors: Canyon Lake Fine Arts Guild, Jennie and Jordan Ehrankranz and the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce; Silver Sponsors: Canyon Lake Senior Chair Volleyball Club; Coldwell Banker, Canyon Lake Market, Jack Wamsley and Warren Kelsey.

Other sponsors include Mike Shroyer, Canyon Lake Homeowners Club, Canyon Lake Choraleers, 951 Signs and Banners, The Ladies of the Lake, Canyon Lake POA, Cub Scout Troop 346, Major Charles Ruhl and the Elsinore High School Flying Tigers Junior ROTC, Canyon Lake Emergency Preparedness Committee and all those who purchased flags for the Field of Honor.

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie




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