This past weekend on Sunday, November 11 hundreds of people from all over the Inland Empire gathered at the Veterans Freedom Park in Grand Terrace to honor and celebrate veterans on that special day.
The festivities began at 11 AM with a beautiful and touching opening ceremony and the signing of the national anthem. Bouquets of flowers were left by the wall to honor the veterans and their services. Colors were presented in such a dignified manner that it left everyone proud.
After the opening ceremonies visitors were able to indulge their guilty pleasures with treats from various food vendors that were in attendance. Some of the vendors in attendance were Bacon Nation, Me So Hungry, Kona Ice, Zebmia, Street Foods Co., Big Wave Grill, and a truck full of the sweetest treats and everyone's festival favorite, funnel cakes. People were able to satisfy their sweet tooth with funnel cakes while filling their need for savory and spicy with Zambia and Bacon Nation foods. There was something for everyone that day!
Early in the afternoon there was an extremely competitive and rousing game of basketball. The Rolling bears battled it out on the court shooting hoop for hoop and clashing wheels in what proved to be a very entertaining game Of wheelchair basketball.
The Veterans Wall of Freedom was on full display for all to see. With many in attendance from all over people were able to locate and see the names of their loved ones on the plaques. People gathered together to search and some even shed a few tears at the sentiment of the honor that their loved ones have.
Throughout the day visitors were able to see the plaques on the wall, enjoy delicious foods, watch entertaining games, listen to the heartfelt speeches that were given by families and veterans, and enjoy the pleasure of a community gathering to honor those who have fought to protect us.
One of the more notable events took place at right after sunset. The City of grand Terrace set up a spectacular and electrifying laser light show for everyone’s viewing. The lasers shot through the sky creating such a scene to take in while listening to the patriotic music that played in the background. Lights of blue, red, and white splashed across the park and danced to the synchronized music. This allowed for viewers to experience something new while still honoring the veterans that we celebrate on Veterans Day.
It was a day of celebrations and above all it was a day that everyone took to honor those men and women that have fought and protected us.