14th annual Veterans Day ceremony held in Arbuckle

The solemn sound of "Taps" echoed over the Arbuckle golf course last week signaling the end of a ceremony honoring fallen service members and those who continue to stand in harms way.

The annual Veterans Day ceremony and golf tournament was the 14th for the handful of Colusa County veterans and those who braved the crisp morning air to attend.

"Men and women continue to respond to the defense of America," said H.L Peterson, master of ceremonies and World War II veteran. "They pledge their lives in protection of our nation."

Peterson said it is the military that fights for the U.S. Constitution, and that he hopes the American public will, despite repeated attempts to compromise it, preserve the constitution in its original intent.

"To do less is a disservice to our people in the military," Peterson said.

Participants in the ceremony included Gene Beauchamp, Colusa VFW, as flag security, while John Tiernan, Post 2441 commander, John Ferreria and Ron Azevedo, Maxwell American Legion Post No. 218, served as the color guard.

Colusa High School sophomore Angela Rennick performed the National Anthem. The firing squad was comprised of Kerry Reckers, Wayne Hampshire, Maxwell American Legion, and Harold McCarthy, Colusa VFW.

Closing the ceremony, Josh Rector and retired Williams music instructor Ron Simmons performed "Taps."

Following the ceremony, about 70 people played in the memorial golf tournament to raise money for Colusa County veterans aid and services. The tournament, which included the four-man scramble, concluded with a dinner, raffle, awards and cash prizes, was organized by George Jimenez, Colusa VFW.

Veterans Day was first incorporated by President Woodrow Wilson as Armistice Day in 1919, in honor of the Armistice treaty, which ended World War I.

In 1954, Congress changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day, a state and federal holiday to recognize the sacrifice of all veterans.

In America, the holiday celebrates the approximate 2.9 million U.S. veterans.

The ceremony Wednesday was one of many events in Colusa County this week that honor veterans. Events continue today in Arbuckle, Williams and Colusa.

Contact Susan Meeker at 458-2121 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.