VICTORVILLE – The City of Victorville was among many High Desert communities paying tribute to the service of American veterans on this day. The city held its annual Veterans’ Day Parade and Ceremony (along with its new “Freedom Mile Run”), featuring a morning of tributes from local marching bands, military units, and guest speakers. In an email to the Civic Bee, Victorville Mayor Jim Cox shared his thoughts on what it means to observe Veteran’s Day. “There were two really important days of the year when all the neighbors, family, and friends trekked to the cemetery – Memorial Day and Veterans Day,” he said. “It was a day to fix up the cemetery, and everyone participated in the church services. On Veterans Day, reveille was played by a bugler, and people came throughout the day, visited, and reminisced about those heroes that had sacrificed their lives for their country and loved ones. The cemetery was filled and everyone brought food and shared with everyone else.” Mayor Cox said the day would end with “taps and tears and patriotic songs and prayers.” Observing Veterans Day created such an impression on him that he joined the U.S. Navy when he was 17, giving six years to his country (three on active duty and three in the reserves), he said. “I have celebrated every Veterans Day for the last half century, and will continue to do so,” Mayor Cox said. “It’s the least we can do as Americans to show our undying gratitude for those that gave their lives so that we can live free in this great country.” For information on future City of Victorville events, please visit http://www.ci.victorville.ca.us.
Politics Magazine
