Veterans Day, November 11, is set aside to thank and honor all men and women who served honorably in the military. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living Veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty. As we salute America’s heroes on Veterans Day, there are many activities the community is encouraged to participate in.
On November 5, Lemoore High School is hosting the 22nd Annual Patriotic Concert, “Courage on the Home Front.” The concert is at the Lemoore High School Event Center and begins at 7pm. Donations will be accepted as well as canned food and new baby items.
On November 6, West Hills College Lemoore is hosting a Veterans Day 2014 Root Beer Float Social from 2 until 3:30pm, in front of the Administration Building at West Hills College Lemoore. They will be collecting hygiene product donations that will go to local homeless veterans. RSVP by calling 925-3341.
On Veterans Day, November 11, the Hanford Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5869 will host the Third Annual Veterans Festival at the Kings County Fairgrounds. The Festival starts at 10:30am and runs until 4pm. There will be music, food, raffles throughout the day, motorcycle and car clubs, bounce houses, drill team competition and numerous other family-oriented activities. There is a Veteran “Stand Down” from 8 to 10am. Admission and parking are free.
On November 11, American Legion Post 3 is also conducting a Veterans Day Service at the Hanford Cemetery “Tank” at 10am.
This event will be followed by a potluck lunch at the Veterans Hall in Hanford. For more information, call 583-1169. Fleet Reserve Post 261 in Lemoore is hosting a Veterans Day potluck at 12:30pm at the Club 261 in Lemoore.
To finish up the day, the City of Lemoore and American Legion Post 100 are hosting the Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Lemoore at 6pm. The parade is free to participate as long as the entrant maintains a patriotic theme. For more information, call Lemoore Parks and Recreation at 924-6767.
The Kings County Veterans Service Office issues Veteran ID cards to honorably discharged veterans. Contact Joe Wright if you would like to receive periodic veteran’s information by email. There are many state and federal benefits and programs available to veterans and their dependents. To find out if you are eligible for any of these benefits, visit or call our office. We can and will assist you in completing all required application forms. You can get information on the web from the Kings County Veterans Service Office webpage at www.countyofkings.com.
Joe Wright, retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, is the Veterans Service Officer for Kings County. Send your questions to the Veterans Service Office, 1400 W. Lacey Blvd., Hanford, CA 93230; call 852-2669; or e-mail joe.wright@co.kings.ca.us.