Every Veterans Day, you may ask yourself the same question: How can I show my appreciation to those who have faithfully served and are currently serving this great nation of ours?
(Credit: brittanylynae/Flickr/Creative Commons)
There are many ways, of course, but here are eight great ways to show your patriotism during this important day. And be sure to wear your red, white, and blue.
Line up for a parade
This year, Veterans Day parades are taking place in Fallbrook, Hemet, and Murrieta, so no matter where you reside in Southwest Riverside, you’ll easily be able to participate. And for those who are really energetic, the Fallbrook parade starts at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11, and the Murrieta Parade not until 1 p.m. — join both!
Jog, walk, or run in Menifee’s Veterans Day Memorial 5K
Lace up your sneakers and make it by 7 a.m. on Sat., Nov. 10 to Wheatfield Park in Menifee for a day of running and fun. The race begins promptly at 8 a.m. This fundraiser benefits the development and ongoing maintenance of the Veterans Memorial at Wheatfield Park. Then make it a full weekend by coming back the next day for the Veterans Day event at the same locale put on by Menifee’s Veterans Memorial Committee. Click here for all the info.
Join Menifee’s Military Banner program
Families may also honor veterans and Military personnel currently serving the U.S. Armed Forces through the city’s Military Banner Program. The banners, which may include a photo, are hung from city light poles on busy Menifee streets to honor veterans and those currently serving who reside or have an immediate family member who resides in Menifee. Banners cost $100, including installation. For more info, contact Rob Johnson, senior manager of Community Improvement, at Rjohnson@cityofmenifee.us or 951-672-6777.
Visit the USS Iowa in San Pedro
Venture out of Southwest Riverside and join Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa at 1 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 10 for the First Annual Veterans Appreciation Festival at the sight of the USS Iowa (“The World’s Greatest Naval Ship”), which has found its new home in San Pedro and is a permanent floating museum. This is a free event.
Volunteer at The Loma Linda VA Medical Center
Become the “lifeblood” of Murrieta’s Loma Linda VA Medical Center by volunteering a few hours a week or month assisting our veterans while they’re receiving medical treatment. For those considering a career in medicine, this is the perfect way to begin. Click here for further information or send an email to: LLVAVolunteers@va.gov. 
Visit the War Memorial in Murrieta
Perhaps you don’t have time to join Murrieta’s 10th Annual Veterans Day Parade, but take an hour or two and make sure you visit the lovely Veterans Memorial at the Murrieta Town Square Park. The World War II and Korean War memorials are complete with the Vietnam War Wall soon to be completed. Take some time to reflect.
Honor our Heroes Picnic & Concert
Wear your red, white, and blue at this Temecula event taking place at the CRC Amphitheater. Hot dogs, lemonade, and ice cream will be served, then relax & enjoy a musical concert. It’s free, of course, for all active & inactive military; just $2 for everyone else. Visit www.cityoftemecula.org for more information.
Treat a veteran or active military to a free meal at Applebee’s
Join Applebee’s “Thank You Movement” by taking those who have served or are currently serving our country for a free signature entree at your local Applebee’s. Their Fiesta Lime Chicken is pretty tasty and what’s more patriotic than their House Sirloin Steak? Their offer is good all day on Nov. 11. Grandpa deserves it.
Chris Baptiste is a local writer and regular contributor to SWRNN.
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