City honors veterans

More than 500 residents gathered in the Canyon Lake Towne Center on Saturday to honor veterans for their service, sacrifice and love of country.

Canyon Lake’s 9th annual Veterans Day Celebration kicked off with a Warbirds West flyover followed by the posting of the flag and colors, anthems, presentations, laying of the wreath and procession of patriots.

Veteran Bert Barbay served as this year’s master of ceremonies. Mayor Randy Bonner welcomed the crowd and Mayor Pro Tem Vicki Warren gave the acknowledgments and closing remarks.

Heartfelt presentations were given by Mike Rhodes, Principal/Commandant of the California Military Institute in Perris, and veteran Allen Alt.

Resident Jill Batinich gave a presentation on Canyon Lake being a Purple Heart city. Rita LeBlanc gave a presentation on 4 Paws 4 Patriots. Veterans Day Committee member Karen Bevans presented the names of the Canyon Lake veterans who passed away and the Field of Honor participants.

Under the direction of Major Charles Ruhl, the Elsinore High School Flying Tigers Jr. ROTC posted the flag and colors and laying of the wreath. The Canyon Lake Choraleers led the crowd in singing the National Anthem and the service anthems for each military branch. Cub Scouts Pack 346 passed out flags and programs and collected old flags for proper disposal.

The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce provided the flags for the Field of Honor, residents Warren Kelsey and Jack Wamsley donated the Flags of Honor planted in the yards of Canyon Lake veterans, the Canyon Lake Homeowners Club donated the event flags and Jennie and Jordan Ehrenranz provided the wreath and roses placed at the Veterans Memorial Monument.

The Canyon Lake Quilters presented veteran Ura Furry with a “Quilt of Valor” quilt made by the group. The winner was chosen through a free raffle for Canyon Lake Veterans. Mike Shroyer of Good Time Entertainment provided the music and sound system. Residents Bryan Warren, Perry Beggs and Mickey Frances provided golf cart shuttle service. The Canyon Lake Emergency Preparedness Committee provided the First Aid Station. CR&R provided the trash bins.

The POA served complimentary cookies and drinks at the start of the celebration and Coldwell Banker and the Canyon Lake Market served complimentary hot dogs after the celebration.

Premium sponsors of the celebration include the City of Canyon Lake, residents David and Barbara Spraul, Canyon Lake Fine Arts Guild, Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce, Canyon Lake Senior Chair Volleyball, Canyon Lake Tennis Club, Canyon Lake Men’s Golf Club Coldwell Banker, Canyon Lake Market, residents Jennie and Jordan Ehrenranz and residents Jack Wamsley and Warren Kelsey.

Celebrating the true heroes of our Nation is an honor and a privilege” said Mayor Pro Tem Vicki Warren. “The City of Canyon Lake does an amazing job, year after year, and this year’s program was sensational. I am so very pleased to be part of it. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us and a special thank you to our veterans and active military. See you next year!”

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie

Photo by Donna Ritchie