At 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month of every year groups and organizations throughout the United States conduct a Veterans Day Ceremony.

Our Sun Region is no different. In fact, we have a dearth of veterans thanks to the fact that our home towns in the Seal Beach area house a number of military bases that have participated in our country’s defense and war efforts since they were fist recognized for their strategic value.

It’s curious to realize that even as far back as the Civil War, Catalina Island, just 26 miles across the sea was a training ground for war games way before a young Ronald Regan kept court with the Chicago Cubs on that enchanted Island of Romance.

Many of the people participating in such operations at the time left for the Island from our own Anaheim Landing, which eventually became the port that serves the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station.

The military has been part and parcel of this area from when it first started,

It was in 1901 that J. C. Ord, a retired U.S. Army captain and a veteran of the Civil War and a decorated retired Captain for the Yankee cause, as associate of Bixby, Hellman and H. E. Huntington, set up the first general store on the corner of Main Street and Electric Avenue. At the time the retired Yankee Civil War veteran was the only year-round resident of the tiny spit of land that bordered what would eventually become known as the San Gabriel River and which would be the dividing line between Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

In 1901, J. C. Ord, as associate of Bixby, Hellman and H. E. Huntington, set up the first general store on the corner of Main Street and Electric Avenue. At the time the retired Yankee Civil War veteran was the only year-round resident. Another associate of Ord's was Philip A. Stanton. He is known as the father of Seal Beach. He is also credited for fathering the cities of Stanton and Huntington Beach.
With its local military history intact, the special day that was originally known as Armistice Day to celebrate the conclusion of World War I, in 1918, continues to be celebrated as Veterans Day.

Veteran’s Day differs from Memorial Day in that Memorial Day is primarily to honor and remember deceased military people
Nov. 11 is a day to commemorate and honor all the men and women veterans who have served in America’s armed forces in all wars.
It is due to the bravery and dedication to their country that millions of our men and women have sacrificed so much, and many have died to preserve our freedoms and liberty.

Hundreds of thousands of military Veterans are serving now in America and in distant lands.

And a few million Veterans are patients in hospitals, rest homes and/or living at home, many with severe wounds and illnesses.
In a joint venture, the members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4048, and the American Legion Post #857, and their Ladies Auxiliaries will celebrate Veterans Day in a joyous ceremony to be held at the Eisenhower Park on Ocean Boulevard, just west of the Seal Beach Pier.

The program will include pre-program entertainment, a Color Guard, a Memorial Wreath, the recitation of the story and song of “Taps”; and the story of “Buddy Poppies.”

A few guest speakers haw also been scheduled.

Both local Veterans Posts gladly serve and are involved in many community affairs, such as the Historical Day Ceremonies, Buddy-Poppy Day Collections, Christmas Parades, Youth Essay Contests, Flag Retirement Ceremonies, the VA Hospital Garden Center, aid to needy families, etc.

Both Posts invite the public to join them in honoring the military veterans of the United States’ military service.
The Ceremony begins at 11 a.m., so come early for parking and to get a good seat. Guests will also have an opportunity to enjoy singing patriotic songs.