‘Great opportunity’: Those who served honored at Elks Lodge
CHICO >> It was a day to honor military members who served the United States Friday at the Elks Lodge Veterans Day event.
At least a hundred veterans, family members, volunteers and community members attended the event. Joan Goodreau attended with her grandson Landon Crowl, 13. Goodreau’s daughter’s father-in-law plays in the Chico Community Band.
“I love the arrangements,” Goodreau said about the band. “They play patriotic songs but with a new arrangement.”
Goodreau’s father was a World War II veteran, so Veterans Day has a lot of meaning for her.
“Veterans day means more to me as I get older,” she said. “My father came back traumatized. His squad was one of the first ones to go into concentration camps, and he couldn’t talk about that.”
Chico Fire Department Battalion Chief Mike Watner attended the event with some of his fellow firefighters.
“It’s a great opportunity to honor those brave members who fought for our freedom,” Watner said. “They allow us the freedom we have today.”
Veteran Mike Halldorson spoke to the crowd with an emotional talk.
“May veterans be remembered today and every day and show them miracles, ” Halldorson said. “May they gain heavenly blessings for love of their country and are provided peace professionally and personally with every obstacle.”
Alessandra Hurtado, 10, handed out American flags at the event. Hurtado is a member of the Loan Pine 4-H and attends Notre Dame Catholic School.
“I’m here to support my greatgrandfather who served in the Navy in World War II and my cousins who also served in the military. My great-grandfather was a code breaker on a World War II ship,” Hurtado said.
Hurtado said Veterans Day has a lot of meaning to her.
“It means honoring my family. I thank the veterans who served,” she said.