The Olympic Peninsula Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, partnering with the Clallam County Veterans Association, has organized a Veterans Day ceremony set for at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, at the Sequim Civic Center Plaza, 152 W. Cedar St. All are welcome to come and show appreciation to veterans for their service to our country.
Amanda Bacon will sing the National Anthem, there will be a flag line by the American Legion Riders, presentation of service flags and organization flags, a gun salute by the U.S. Marine Corps League and a short speech by Col. Tom Johnson (USMC, Ret.).
Toys for Tots
The Mount Olympus Chapter of the Marine Corps League kicks off the in person gathering of Toys For Tots from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26 at the Sequim Walmart, 1110 W. Washington St. The American Legion Jack Grennan Post 62 will assist there and at the Longhouse Market.
No food or clothing is accepted. New toys only.
Dates for collection are Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Boxes went out to businesses on Nov. 1.
Those with questions or would like to volunteer are encouraged to email Nancy at nmtzim@gmail.com.
Toys and money collected stay in Clallam County.
Wreaths needed
Wreaths Across America is entering the home stretch. The DAR still needs more wreaths so there is a wreath on every veteran’s grave at the eight Clallam County cemeteries in the program — a total of 2,600 wreaths.
The ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Mount Angeles Memorial Park, 45 Monroe Road. All are welcome.
To volunteer to lay wreaths or pick up and recycle the wreaths after the ceremony, email to mtcwreaths@gmail.com. To sponsor a wreath, go to wreathsacrossamerica.org/WA0153. They are $15 each or buy two and we get three!
The deadline to buy for this year is Monday, Nov. 21. Thank you for your support.
JAC event canceled
Junior American Citizens, clubs for all school-aged children, was scheduled to host a Step Back in Time Fair on Saturday, Nov. 12, at the American Legion Hall Post 62; however, because of some unforeseen circumstances, the event has been canceled, organizers said.
VFW happenings
Carlsborg VFW Post 6787 has been busy in the community! The organization recently made a large donation to purchase sports balls for the kids at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Members attended a listening session with the Sequim schools superintendent Regan Nickels on Oct. 19. The veterans community was there in force to let her know how we could interact and support the school.
On Friday, Nov. 18, Post members will help the Sequim Food Bank distribute food for Thanksgiving dinners.
This is a vibrant and active post. If you want to get in on the action, email to sealteam54@q.com.
Pancake breakfast for veterans
To celebrate Veterans Day, Jack Grennan Post 62 of the American Legion invites all veterans to a pancake breakfast from 8-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Post home, 107 E Prairie St., in Sequim. Veterans eat free, all others by donation. In addition to pancakes, attendees get sausage, scrambled eggs, orange juice and coffee.
VFW membership drive set
The Sequim VFW at 169 E. Washington St. will hold a membership drive on Veterans Day, from noon-9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11. There will be free hamburgers and hot dogs from noon-2 p.m. The band “Echo” with Dee Coburn play from 6-8:30 p.m., offering classic rock ‘n’ roll and a bit of country.
The post and Sun Taxi will also be serving a free Thanksgiving dinner at the VFW from 1-4 p.m. on Thanksgiving day (Thursday, Nov. 24); the public is welcome to both events.
Contributors: American Legion, Paul Renick, grennanalpost62@gmail.com; DAR, MOAA and Voices For Veterans, Lorri Gilchrist, cdrlgilchrist@gmail.com; Marine Corps League, Mark Schildknecht, markisin2day@gmail.com; Korean War Veterans, Jerry Rettela, eletteor@msn.com; VFW 4760, Steve Henrikson, secretary@vfwpost4760.com; VFW 6787, Rod Lee, sealteam54@q.com.
