'This time of year means something special to me'

More than 200 people gathered in chilly winds under a November sky during Saturday's veterans celebrations in Colusa County.

The celebrations, held in Arbuckle, Williams and Colusa, ended a week of honoring the service men and women in the U.S. military.

While Veterans Day commemorations traditionally honor those who serve or have served in the nation's military, it is also customary to remember those who have fallen, said Gary Teragawa, master of ceremonies, as he remembered the 125,000 American veterans buried in foreign cemeteries.

A countywide moment of silence was held not only for all veterans fallen in battle, but for the 13 men and women killed and 49 wounded during the Nov. 5 shooting spree at Ft. Hood, a U.S. Army rapid deployment base in Texas.

"We've had our soils tread upon," said Colusa Mayor Bob MacKaben. "Those things we don't forget."

About 160 people attended morning ceremonies in Williams, which included student presentations and music.

A smaller crowd gathered for the afternoon ceremony.

"We've gone too far in being polite," said the Rev. Dennis Draves, pastor of the Williams Baptist Church. "We need to let our military do what they do best and get the job done."

The countywide veterans celebration was organized by the Community Foundation of Colusa County.s

The events throughout the county was spurred by the arrival of the American Veterans Traveling Tribute at the Colusa Indian Community Center.

"This time of year means something special to me," said Vietnam veteran Jesse Harpol. "This is a great country, and I'm proud to have served."

Kimme Huntington, Pierce High School student body president, said she is grateful to all those who defend the county and protect the freedoms we all enjoy.

"I consider all of them my heroes," Huntington said. "They are a model for other nations to follow."

Organizers said the Community Foundation of Colusa County plan to make the countywide celebration an annual tradition, as a way for people to show how grateful they are for the dedication and sacrifice of America's veterans.

During the event, dozens signed greetings to be sent to men and women serving in the Armed Forces.

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