Nov. 10, 2012 — We are in the final stage of preparations for Veterans Day 2012. As many of you are aware, the Veterans Memorial Building is currently undergoing extensive repair and repainting. We had hoped to complete the front of the building before Veterans Day, but Mother Nature decided to surprise everyone with an early snow and freezing temperatures.

Still, the construction crew is working hard to get as much of the front completed before our big day, and we are excited at the prospect of this grand lady shining once again. Based on available pictures, and in keeping with the era of construction, this historic building will be repainted in a color scheme befitting her distinctive heritage.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, we will be hosting the first annual Veterans Open House for our community at the Veterans Memorial Building. Various organizations that support veterans and their families will be participating and providing information on services. Refreshments will be provided and the general public is invited. If you would like to participate in the open house, contact me through my email listed below.

At 9 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 11 the Lassen Community College volleyball and soccer teams will be hosting a breakfast under the grandstand at the Lassen County Fairgrounds. This breakfast is free to veterans and their families. We thank Coach Glen Yonan and his teams for this most thoughtful gesture.

Following breakfast the parade gets started at the Armory at 11 a.m. If your organization wants to participate in this year’s parade we are asking you complete an application and return/fax it to the Chamber of Commerce or the Veterans Memorial Building as soon as possible. Applications are available at both sites or you can email your request to me and I will get an application to you. No organization that has participated in the past will be turned away for lack of an application, however, a completed application will assist us in parade placement for this year and will help us to better plan for next year’s parade.

We have two guest speakers sharing the stage for this year’s Veterans Day Program: Michael Mai served with the Marine Corps during OEF/OIF and now works at Sierra Army Depot; Captain Richard Hrezo retired from the Navy after a 27-year career that spanned both Gulf Wars, and is a nurse anesthetist at Banner Lassen Medical Center.

Anyone interested in transport services to Susanville for the Veterans Day Parade and Program is encouraged to call Thomas Robinson at 251-3223. The Lassen Transit Services Agency (LTSA) is scheduled to discuss the possibility of providing transit services for South and East counties at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5 in the board of supervisor’s chambers at 707 Nevada St. in Susanville. Support organizations and volunteers may provide other transportation services to Susanville from areas north and west of the city but this will depend on the level of interest and local needs.

And finally, we should remember the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month honors all veterans of military service who have served — and continue to serve — our country. Standing beside these veterans are family members who have waved good-bye, stood the lonely vigil, raised children, hung blue stars in their windows, suffered financial hardship and put aside personal dreams. On this Veterans Day my daughter Heather will be winging her way from Norfolk, Va. to the USS Eisenhower for her third deployment to the Persian Gulf. She will be joining her new squadron, which deployed in June. Like any parent of a son or daughter in the military, I temper my worry with intense pride and keep her pictures close at hand.

God’s speed to all who serve our country. Stand proud fellow veterans. Every day is Veterans Day.