The Santa Maria Valley Chamber and city of Santa Maria will host a Veterans Day & Wreath Ceremony at the Freedom Monument Veterans Memorial, dedicated to honoring all veterans and commemorating those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
The ceremony will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 600 S. McClelland St., in front of the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center.
Established in 2001, the Freedom Monument stands as a lasting testament to the sacrifices of 113 local Santa Maria Valley veterans who died in combat from World War I to the present day, as well as honoring all veterans who have served.
Throughout the monument area are plaques and monuments that honor veterans and veteran groups.
The chamber collaborates with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2521, and the Santa Maria Valley Honor Guard to organize the annual event, with logistical support from the Santa Maria’s Recreation and Parks Department.
This year’s ceremony will include the reading of the 113 names listed at the Freedom Monument by the students from St. Mary of the Assumption School, and pre-ceremony entertainment by the Young Voices of Santa Maria Youth Choir.
Bob Hatch, who served as chamber president during the monument’s dedication in 2001, will deliver the keynote address. Dave Cross, who was chair of the Chamber Board of Directors in 2001, will serve as master of ceremonies.
Hatch is a decorated U.S. Army veteran who served in combat in Vietnam; Cross is a U.S. Army veteran of the Cold War.
Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino and current chamber president Michael Boyer will speak at the event as well, and representatives from local veteran groups, including Michael Stadnick Jr., Dr. Joseph Skoda, and Robert Tolan, will participate.
Also on the agenda is a wreath presentation, and organizations, individuals, or businesses wishing to present a wreath are encouraged to do so.
“We invite everyone in our community to join us to honor our veterans,” said Hatch. “This is a special occasion to show the community’s appreciation to all who have served to defend our country and protect the freedoms we enjoy.
“We should also reflect on the sacrifices made by our service members and celebrate their enduring legacy.”
For more, visit the 24th Annual Freedom Monument Ceremony page.