Vet's Corner: Celebrating Veterans' Day in Lemoore and Kings County

Monday, November 2, 2015 - 12:08pm

Veterans Day, November 11, is set aside to thank and honor all men and women who served honorably in the military. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living Veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty.

As we salute America’s heroes on Veterans Day, there are many activities the community is encouraged to participate in.

On November 10th, Lemoore High School is hosting the 24th Annual Patriotic Concert, “Honor Our Colors.” The concert is at the Lemoore High School Event Center and begins at 7:00 pm. Donations will be accepted as well as canned food/new baby items.

On Veterans Day, November 11th, the Hanford Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5869 will host the Fourth Annual Veterans Festival at the Kings County Fairgrounds. The Festival starts at 10:30 noon and runs until 4:00 pm. There will be music, food, raffles throughout the day, motorcycle and car clubs, bounce houses, drill team competition, and numerous other family oriented activities. There is a Veteran “Stand Down” from 8:00 to 10:00 am. Admission and parking are free.

Also on Veterans Day, November 11th, American Legion Post 3 is conducting a Veterans Day Service at the Hanford Cemetery “Tank” at 10:00 am. For more information call 583-1169. Fleet Reserve Post 261 in Lemoore is hosting a Veterans Day potluck at 12:00 pm at the Club 261 in Lemoore.

To finish up the day, the City of Lemoore and American Legion Post 100 are hosting the 3rd Annual Veterans Day Parade in downtown Lemoore at 6:00 pm. The parade is free to participate in as long as the entrant maintains a patriotic theme. For more information contact Lemoore Parks and Recreation at (559) 924-6767.

The Kings County Veterans Service Office issues Veteran I.D. cards to honorably discharged veterans. Contact Joe Wright if you would like to receive periodic veteran’s information by email. There are many state and federal benefits and programs available to veterans and their dependents. To find out if you are eligible for any of these benefits, visit or call our office. We can and will assist you in completing all required application forms. You can get information on the Web from the Kings County Veterans Service Office webpage at www.countyofkings.com/vets.

Joe Wright, retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, is the Veterans Service Officer for Kings County. Send your questions to the Veterans Service Office, 1400 W. Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA 93230; call 852-2669; or e-mail joe.wright@co.kings.ca.us