I am sad to report that there will be no Veterans Day Ceremony this year because of pandemic restrictions. To honor veterans, the Clallam County Veterans Association is putting up street banners in Sequim, Port Angeles and Forks.
There will also be articles in the papers and announcements on the radio.
Veterans: we thank you for your service!
Toys for Tots
The Mount Olympus Detachment of the Marine Corps League will be collecting Toys For Tots starting Monday, Nov. 1, using the boxes in various stores.
Last year, 4,123 Clallam County children received 5,343 toys through this program.
All donated toys must be new and unwrapped. No clothing or food is accepted. Cash donations can be received. All collections are final by Dec. 15 for distribution in time for Christmas.
There will be in person collections in front of the 7 Cedars Longhouse Market & Deli, 271020 U.S. Highway 101, on Dec. 4 and Dec. 11.
If you have questions about the program please contact Nancy, the program coordinator, at toys4tots.clallam@gmail.com.
Wreaths Across America
Michael Trebert Chapter, NSDAR is conducting a Wreaths Across America ceremony at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18, at Sequim View Cemetery. In preparation for the ceremony and the placing of wreaths at this cemetery and four others — Dungeness, Blue Mountain, Gardiner and Zacardo Family — the Chapter is now selling the 22-inch live balsam wreaths. About 1,000 are needed for all veteran graves.
Each wreath is $15. Purchasing wreaths also supports the NJROTC program at Port Angeles High School. Go to wreathsacrossamerica.org/WA0171P to purchase using a credit card. Cash will be accepted at limited locations.
Please contact mtcwreaths@gmail.com for information and to donate cash (no checks accepted).
All are welcome to attend the ceremony and help the DAR with their mission to “Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve and their families and Teach the next generation the value of freedom.”
Happy birthday!
You are invited to join the local Marines in celebrating the 246th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. All veterans, their families and guests are invited. At 5 p.m. there will be a no-host social hour with dinner and the ceremony at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6, at 7 Cedars Casino, 270756 U.S. Highway 101.
The Port Angeles High School NJROTC will be the colorguard. There will also be a silent auction. Cost is $45 a person. You must provide proof of vaccination to attend.
For more information, call Kathy at 360-460-2431 or email her at kmt@wavecable.com.
Happy birthday, Marines!
Junior American Citizen program
Michael Trebert Chapter, NSDAR has begun the Junior American Citizen (JAC) program for children. JAC is meeting at 4 p.m. on the first and third Mondays at Sequim Jack Grennan AmericanLegion Post, 107 E. Prairie St.
All children ages 4-18 are welcome to attend JAC. Its purpose is to teach civics, patriotism, American History, what it means to be a good citizen, love of country and to build future leaders of America.
Recently the JAC participated in the National DAR Day of Service on Oct. 11, with Michael Trebert as they cleaned up Sequim View Cemetery in preparation for the Wreaths Across America ceremony. The JAC learned about Veteran markers and observed a “do no harm” Veteran headstone cleaning.
For more information, contact Judy at MTC1918JAC@gmail.com.
Contributors: American Legion, Paul Renick, grennanalpost62@gmail.com; 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, Joe Borden, borden@ wavecable.com.
