Veterans the toast of the towns Tuesday

Veterans Day events in the area Tuesday include the following:

MODESTO

▪ Veterans Day Parade, 9:30 a.m., begins at 10th and O streets in downtown Modesto and proceeds to Graceada Park. Ceremony follows parade. Ceremony includes music by Modesto Junior College’s combined Symphonic and Concert bands and guest speakers. For more information, call Richard Edgecomb at (209) 521-0093 or Ray Alli at (209) 551-8060

▪ Veterans Day Celebration, 5 p.m., featuring patriotic music performed by the U.S. Army Band of the Wild West, performances by Golden Valley Chorus, artist Bob Davidson, and the Modesto Junior College Theatre Department and Speech Team. Free event. State Theatre, 1307 J St.

▪ Citizen of the Year reception, dinner and program, 6 p.m. Jeremiah Williams will be honored as Citizen of the Year by Modesto’s American Legion Post 74. Event will be held at the Legion Hall, 1001 Santa Cruz Ave. Ticket cost is $10, available at the door.

▪ Tahoe Joe’s Famous Steakhouse will honor all active and retired military personnel with a free 6-ounce Joe’s Steak Dinner with the purchase of another entrée of equal or greater value. Tahoe Joe’s, 3801 Pelandale Ave., (209) 545-6885.

OAKDALE

▪ Veterans Appreciation Day ceremony, 1 p.m. Program will feature several guest speakers, live music and open-mike session for those wishing to share. Seating is limited. Event is sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2922 of Oakdale and co-sponsored by the city of Oakdale. William A. Fish Veterans Park, Pontiac Street and Cliffwood Way.

RIPON

▪ Veterans Day Observance, 10:30 a.m. Presentation of colors by Ripon High School’s junior ROTC, guest speakers including a representative from Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen’s office and retired Army Lt. Col. Patrick Dunn. Event hosted by Ripon’s American Legion Post 190 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1051. Located at Veterans Wall and Museum, First and Locust streets.

MERCED

▪ Veterans Day Parade, noon. It will begin in downtown Merced at Main and Calimyrna and proceed up Main past Bob Hart Square, turning onto O Street and continuing to the Superior Court building. Presented by the Merced County Veterans Council, Human Services Agency and Greater Merced County Chamber of Commerce.

GUSTINE

▪ Veterans Day observance, 11 a.m., includes procession through downtown Gustine, with program to follow at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 145 Fifth St.

ATWATER

▪ Veterans Day event, 4 p.m. The city of Atwater invites the community to join in honoring veterans of all wars for their valor, courage and sacrifice. Veterans Memorial Park, 2680 Buhach Road.

LIVINGSTON

▪ Veterans Day Parade, 11 a.m. It will start at the corner of C and Main streets, proceeding down Main Street to Park Street. Award ceremony will immediately follow the parade at the Livingston Veterans Memorial Hall, 1605 Seventh St., where a homemade soup lunch will be served for a donation of $5. Sponsored by Livingston-Delhi Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8327 and Ladies Auxiliary.

This story was originally published November 10, 2014 at 3:57 PM with the headline "Veterans the toast of the towns Tuesday."