The City will pay homage to local veterans during a special ceremony on Thursday, November 11. The poignant Veterans Day ceremony begins at 2:00 p.m. at the Mission Viejo Veterans Memorial, located next to the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center at 24932 Veterans Way.
Mayor Trish Kelley will welcome community members and patriotism will waft through the air as the Orange County Fire Authority Pipes and Drums perform before an expected large crowd.
Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren will give the invocation, and the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Headquarters Battalion First Marine Division will provide the Color Guard. Colonel Rudy Janizcek, commanding officer from Mission Viejo’s adopted Headquarters Battalion First Marine Division, will serve as the event’s keynote speaker.
During the ceremony, Congressman Gary Miller will help Mayor Kelley recognize Carroll E. “Snuffy” Brown, a Mission Viejo resident and retired Marine Corps major. Snuffy, a 24-year military pilot, served in three wars and is an active member of Mission Viejo’s Marine Adoption Committee.
The Veterans Day Ceremony will end with Orange County Fire Authority Pipes and Drums playing Amazing Grace, a traditional rifle salute by the members of Veterans of Foreign War Post 6024 and taps by Sheriff’s Deputy David Sa.
The American Heroes Tribute banners honoring Mission Viejo residents and members of the Headquarters Battalion, First Marine Division who died while serving their country will be on display from Friday through November 12 at the entrance to the community center. The American Heroes Tribute, a local non-profit organization that honors military personnel, will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the custom banner opportunities.
The City’s Marine Adoption Committee and the Teens for Marines will tout the upcoming “Tee it Up for Marines” Golf Tournament on March 25, and T-shirts and hats will be available for purchase/donation.
Refreshments will be served in the Sycamore Room of the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center immediately following the ceremony.
For more information, call 949-470-3000.
