Community Event, Siskiyou, South County

Veterans Day Celebration was not dampened by the Weather

Siskiyous Law Enforcement Academy

The timing was perfect weather-wise for the Veterans Day parade hosted by American Legion Post 92. After a very rainy morning, people came out as the skies cleared to see veterans parade through the streets of McCloud in the late afternoon. Led by the McCloud volunteer fire department, sirens blaring to announce their approach, the procession included trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and cars displaying flags and banners.

The holiday’s rich history dates back to 1929 when it was established as Armistice Day, dedicated to the cause of world peace. In 1953, the American Legion proposed changing Armistice Day to honor all veterans, and the following year, President Dwight Eisenhower officially proclaimed November 11th, 1954, as Veterans Day. It remains the only federal holiday honoring a specific occupation: veterans.

American Legion Riders’ Director Brenn Jacobs shared this history during the free luncheon held after the parade. Community members volunteered to prepare an array of soups for the event, including taco soup, clam chowder, beef stew, chili, and more. April Buckley contributed a special touch by baking a huge cake in honor of the veterans.

April Buckley made a huge cake in honor of the veterans.

Generations of veterans came.

Veterans gather to be honored during the Veterans Day luncheon hosted by the American Legion Post 92

Priscella Wood holds up pictures of her husband Frank Wood, his brother William Melton Wood, and their father who all served in the military.

Priscilla Wood wore her deceased husband’s army jacket to the luncheon as a memorial. Frank Wood was a decorated Sargent who was drafted two days after his older brother, William Melton Wood, was killed during the Vietnam War. Their father also served.  

Another annual Veterans Day event was not as lucky. The Sculpture Garden hosted its annual Veterans Day celebration earlier in the day, but people had to hover under awnings and umbrellas as the rain came down the whole time. The celebration included the marine color guard, bagpipes, and other music performers. This service was shortened due to the weather. Poppies were passed out and coffee and donuts were offered.

Judy Sarti, past president of the American Legion Post 92 Auxiliary and coordinator of the parade and luncheon said, “Despite the weather, we had a good showing of people and veterans that came out to celebrate. It went well without a hitch. We were excited to see many people put out their flags and participate.”  

Auxiliary members serve up the many different soups that were made by McCloud community volunteers at the Veterans Day luncheon

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