Veterans Day In Laguna Niguel: How To Honor Military Personnel

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA — Veterans Day is upon us, Laguna Niguel. This is a time to pause and remember servicemen and women for all their sacrifices made in order to defend this country. In south Orange County, there are several Veterans Day events designed to provide community members with the space to reflect and honor veterans in our community and across the nation.

Not sure where to go this Veterans Day? That's okay, we've got you covered — let this list of Veterans Day events taking place across south Orange County serve as your go-to guide for all things Veterans Day-related.

Laguna Niguel Veterans Day Ceremony

• Sea Country Senior and Community Center, 24602 Aliso Creek Rd.

The City of Laguna Niguel is continuing its proud tradition to honor all the brave military personnel for their work. The annual Veterans Day Ceremony will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. The ceremony is open to the public and will include guest speaker Sven A. Akesson, Vietnam War, Chief Warrant Officer 4, and US Army 100BO Helicopter Pilot.

If you are unable to attend, the city asks that you observe a moment of silence on Thursday at 11:11 a.m. to honor all who have served.

Veterans Of Foreign Wars Veterans Day Program in Dana Point

• Near Strands Vista Park, 34201 Selva Rd.

Visit the Dana Point Veterans Memorial at 10 a.m. Thursday to take part in a Veterans Day program hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 and the City of Dana Point. The program will include the unveiling of updated memorial plaques, which list the names of VFW Post 9934 members who died during the past year.

For more information about this event, contact VFW Post 9934 by calling (949) 248-1419 or emailing vfwpost9934@cox.net.

Veterans Ceremony and Marine Corps Birthday in San Clemente

• Park Semper Fi, Pier Bowl

On Sunday, the City of San Clemente in partnership with the Heritage of San Clemente Foundation are hosting a ceremony honoring veterans and a celebration of the Marine Corps birthday. The ceremony takes place at 2 p.m. at the Marine Monument in Park Semper Fi.

Patriotic music is planned, and the event will mark the unveiling and dedication of the Gen. JK Davis plaque.

San Clemente residents can also support veterans in Camp Pendleton by donating to San Clemente Proud. All funds are distributed to military families in Camp Pendleton who were impacted by the Kabul air bombing that took the lives of 10 Camp Pendleton soldiers and wounded several others.

San Clemente residents who wish to donate can do so either by visiting local businesses participating in the Veterans Day fundraiser, organized by San Clemente Proud, or by sending tax-deductible donations through San Clemente Proud's website.

Rancho Santa Margarita Veterans Day Ceremony

• Rancho Santa Margarita Civic Center, 22112 El Paseo.

Are you looking for a way to say "thank you" to the countless veterans who have served our nation? This Veterans Day, the City of Rancho Santa Margarita is holding a reception and recognition ceremony to show appreciation for veterans living in the Rancho Santa Margarita community.

All veterans and their families are invited by the city to participate in the recognition ceremony. The reception for the Veterans Day event starts at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday at the Rancho Santa Margarita Civic Center, 22112 El Paseo. Following the reception, the recognition ceremony takes place during Rancho Santa Margarita's City Council meeting at 7 p.m.

Mission Viejo Veterans Day Ceremony

• Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way

This Veterans Day, the City of Mission Viejo invites you and your loved ones to take part in the annual Veterans Day ceremony on Thursday.

The ceremony, which is open to all members of the public, includes comments by Colonel Seth W.B. Folsom, commanding officer of the Headquarters Battalion of the 1st Marine Division. Guests will also hear a statement from retired Army Captain Nick Saifan.

The annual Veterans Day ceremony starts at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center in Mission Viejo. For more information, call 949-470-3061 or 949-470-8412.

Senator Umberg's Flag Recognition Program

A retired Colonel in the U.S. Army and current United States Senator for the 34th district is recognizing anyone in Orange County who flies an American flag on Thursday. Sen. Tom Umberg wants to show military families across the county that their sacrifices will not be forgotten.

According to Umberg, on Veterans Day, flying the American flag outside one's home is one of the best ways to support military families by showing them that no sacrifice will be left forgotten.

"If people fly the flag on Veterans Day, as veterans ourselves, my wife (a retired Brigadier General with the U.S. Army) and I would like to send a thank-you note," Umberg says. "Many do so in remembrance of a family member in particular, and I would love the opportunity to recognize the sacrifice of those individuals and honor those stories."

To learn how to qualify for a thank-you note from Umberg, read the full article.