The Friday Flyer | 2022 Veterans Day celebrated

Photo by Gregg Smith

2022 Veterans Day celebrated

The City of Canyon Lake hosted a Veterans Day Celebration at Holiday Harbor Friday complete with food, games, music, speeches and an inspiring Warbirds flyover. More than 200 Canyon Lakers took to the park to participate in the festivities.

New city councilmember Mark Terry was the keynote speaker. He spoke on the importance of Veterans Day and why Veterans Day is celebrated.

Food vendors, the City of Canyon Lake and the Canyon Lake Fire Department had booths in the park. Tim Connory was awarded the Quilt of Valor from the Quilters of Canyon Lake after all vets were asked to enter a drawing.

The Boy Scouts led the pledge of allegiance and Aprile McKinnon sang the National Anthem.

Mayor Jeremy Smith thanked everyone for coming, including those dignitaries who took time out of their day to join the City of Canyon Lake in celebrating veterans. The mayor then introduced state assembly member Kelly Seyarto, who spoke about Veterans Day and its significance.

Photo by Gregg Smith

Then came Mark, the keynote speaker. He introduced Canyon Lake’s Katie Dobreren who graduated from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas as a reservist on Nov. 10. Katie will be working in air transportation on a flight deck.

He then asked the veterans to stand and be recognized for their service.

“We owe our gratitude,” Mark said. “We owe you our respect. But, most importantly, we owe you our freedom.”

“This nation has no shortage of those willing to raise their right hand, vowing to serve not only this great country, but to defend the freedoms we hold so dearly,” Mark said. “The tradition of selfless service continues down to this day, 248 years later.”

Every veteran who honorably served should never be forgotten or left behind, he said.

Tim Connory receives the Quilt of Valor from the Quilters of Canyon Lake. Photo by Dawn Rankins

“I am humbled to be here today,” Mark said. “It is my hope, to every veteran here this afternoon, that I highlighted your service and courage with the true appreciation and honor that you deserve. To all of our veterans throughout this great country, on behalf of the residents of Canyon Lake, our City Council and staff, we collectively thank you for your sacrifice and service to this great nation. May God bless you and may God bless the United States of America.”

The Canyon Lake Choraleers took the stage and sang the different branches of service theme songs as the Warbirds performed their iconic flyover over Canyon Lake.

A pie eating contest was held after the flyover. Aidan Susca,9, won the kids division and Nick Welty won the adult division.