With autumn in full swing in Calaveras, our beautiful county is awash in reds, oranges, and yellows, conjuring up thoughts of how much there is to be grateful for in our lives. Veteran’s Day, November 11th each year, we take a moment to give thanks for those who have selflessly sacrificed and served in the United States military. Our brave, selfless men and women sacrificed their comfort, time with their families, and many made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure America’s freedom and promote democracy around the world.
Veterans Memorial in Murphys
If you are in Calaveras, stop by the Ebbetts Pass Veterans Memorial located in downtown Murphys across from the Murphys Community Park. Due to the generosity of the John Kautz Family (Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys, CA) who designed and paid for the entire project, the memorial features a bronze statue of a soldier mounted on a large boulder. The expansion, dedicated Memorial Day 2014, includes a tall central flag pole with the emblems of all the branches of service on the base, handicapped accessible walkways, benches and a brick wall where veterans’ names of local residents are memorialized. If you would like to learn more about the service of the Ebbetts Pass Veteran’s Memorial District, visit their website at www.ebbettspassvetsdistrict.com.
Free Entry to the Angels Camp Museum
The Angels Camp Museum is offering free entry into the museum on Saturday, November 11, 2023 for all veterans and active duty military. They will be giving out American flag pins while supplies last to all vets and active duty Friday to Sunday. Stop by and learn about Angels Camp and its place in Gold Rush history.
Free Entry for Vets to Calaveras Big Trees State Park
On Saturday, November 11, 2023, California State Parks offers free admission to U.S. military veterans. California State Parks Director Armando Qunitero said “It is appropriate to invite all military veterans, reservists, and active-duty personnel to visit state parks for free and connect with nature. California State Parks recognizes the many sacrifices members of our nation’s military and their families have made and continue to make in the service of their country.” Several parks throughout California will offer free entry, and the list can be found here.
Copperopolis Veteran’s Day Pancake Breakfast and Parade
The Copperopolis Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast and Parade will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 8:00 am to 10:30 am. The VFW Post 12118 Parade will start at 11:00 am down O’Byrnes Ferry Road in Copperoplis. Enjoy a community breakfast of fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs, ham, fresh fruit, coffee, O. J., and milk for only Veterans $5 / Adults $8.00 / Kids 10 or under $4. Meet at the Historic Armory at 695 Main Street (O‘Brynes Ferry Rd.), Copperopolis, CA. 95228. The Copper Quilter’s beautiful quilts will be on display, and the Tower family museum will be open. Please join us as we salute our veterans under the watchful eye of our magnificent 1865 Union Guard American Flag.
Learn About Ric Ryan, The Walking Man of Murphys
Read about Ric Ryan and his devotion to raising support, awareness and funding for helping wounded veterans in the article published October 12, 2017, written by Charity Maness in the Calaveras Enterprise here. And, see NBC News’ Harry Smith September 2023 interview the Walking Man of Murphys here. Ric’s cause, Operation Mend, is still going strong. Please consider donating online or mail a check made out to Operation Mend to P.O. Box 1674, Murphys, CA 95247. Operation Mend. And if you see Ric walking along Highway 4 or in Murphys, make sure to give him a wave.
Jenny Lind Veteran’s Hall Veteran’s Day Dinner
The West Calaveras Rotary is sponsoring a Veteran’s Day Dinner on Friday, November 11, 5:30 – 9:30 at the Jenny Lind Veterans Hall in Valley Springs, 300 Daphne St, Valley Springs.
Tickets are $30 per person, $25 for Veterans and $250 for a table of 10. To purchase tickets call Judy Allen, 209-304-0682, Valley Springs News 209-772-2234 or email westcalaverasrotary@gmail.com.
Sponsorships Available * Raffle Donations Welcome
All proceeds go to West Calaveras Rotary Veteran’s Fund to assist Calaveras County veterans in need.
Native Daughters of the Golden West Veteran’s Day Dinner
Ruby Parlor No. 46 of the Native Daughters of the Golden West and Chispa Parlor No. 139 of the Native Sons of the Golden West are holding their annual Veterans’ Day Dinner on November 11, 2023. This year’s event will be held at the Native Sons Hall, 389 Main Street, Murphys.
The doors will open at 5:00 and festivities begin at 5:30 with a flag ceremony by Boy Scout Troop #343. A delicious pasta dinner, including wine and dessert, will be served. THIS DINNER IS FREE TO ALL VETERANS. For all others the charge is $15.
All proceeds from this event will go to a Veteran’s related organization. Reservations are not necessary. For more information call Mary Kingshill at 209-743-2551.
BONUS: Angels Camp Resident Veterans – Get your Thanksgiving and Christmas food vouchers at the Angels Camp Veterans Memorial District located at 1219 Raspberry Lane in Angels Camp. To receive these vouchers that are redeemable at Angels Food Market, you must be an honorably discharged veteran living in District 4 (Angels Camp & Copperopolis). Bring your ID or a utility bill proving your residency and your DD214 on November 11 & 12, 2023 and pick up your food vouchers.