For the past several years, members of VFW Post 9624 and its Auxiliary have planned an observance held at Arrowhead Ridge to honor veterans.

This year, because of COVID-19 restrictions, such an event is not possible.

However, they will be holding a virtual observance. In addition, there are at least two other events honoring veterans being held.

VFW VIRTUAL OBSERVANCE

For the third year, Lake Arrowhead resident Gloria Loring will emcee the VFW post’s Veterans Day program. However, this year she will do so from her home. The 17th annual event will be broadcast virtually on YouTube at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11. Organizer Joyce Rapp said folks should search for “2020 Veterans Day Celebration.”

Loring will introduce the other participants, including the Mountain Fifes & Drums, and narrate the videos. Rim High student Neva Hidajat will participate through a showing of the video of her prize-winning speech in the American Legion oratorical contest.

Viewers will be able to join in on the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of the national anthem and the service songs from the five branches – Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Brian Poyorena, a former Marine who is studying cybersecurity, is volunteering his time to assemble the various videos into a cohesive program.

“We hope to be back in person at Arrowhead Ridge next year,” said Rapp.

A CELEBRATION OF THE MARINE CORPS’ BIRTHDAY

In observance of the birthday of the Marine Corps – Nov. 10 – mountain Marines and other veterans will gather from 4 to 7 p.m. at Three Marm Brewing Co. in Crestline. All veterans are welcome to attend. Masks will be required, as will social distancing.

The U.S. Marine Corps started as the Continental Marines on Nov. 10, 1775. On that date, the Second Continental Congress decided that they needed two battalions of Marines to serve as landing forces with the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783).

After the war, the Continental Navy was dismantled and, as a consequence, the Marines as well.  However, after increasing conflict with revolutionary France, the Marine Corps was formally re-established.

Espie Bakes will make a cake that will be cut by the oldest and youngest Marine present, which is a tradition.

VETS GO FISHING

On Sunday, Nov. 8, Rim of the World Veterans Outreach invites all veterans and their families to join them for some fishing at Tavern Bay Beach Club from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The lake will have been stocked for the previous day’s Junior Trout Rodeo so the fishing should be good!

Organizer Cliff “Doc” Bennett said a fly fishing group will also be there to teach fly fishing lessons.

Participating veterans who are not members of Rim Vets must bring proof of their veteran status.

Sign up for this event by sending an email to [email protected] or by calling Bennett at (760) 669-4727.