National parks, others honor veterans this week
From free admission at national parks to a car show and barbecue at the VA Medical Center in North Las Vegas, the country and the community are showing their appreciation this week for those who served in the U.S. military.
"Veterans Day encourages all Americans to pause and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by our service members, past and present," said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis in announcing Monday that the park service will waive entrance fees for everyone on the holiday.
Among the park service's special events this week are a variety of free or discounted activities at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, including boat and raft trips down the Colorado River.
Following suit, the Department of Veterans Affairs Southern Nevada Healthcare System, with Las Vegas Cruisin' and the Masonic Service Association, will host a car show, barbecue and variety show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the VA Medical Center, 6900 N. Pecos Road. Flu shots and blood pressure screenings will also be offered for veterans.
Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Merryhill School on Grand Teton Drive, students will give hand-made cards to veterans and active duty military members with patriotic entertainment by the Arbor View High School band. The students' effort to honor veterans comes on the heels of a two-week project to round up canned goods and personal hygiene items for soldiers in Afghanistan.
On Wednesday, the annual Veterans Day Parade on Fourth Street in downtown Las Vegas begins at 10 a.m., followed at 11 a.m. by a groundbreaking ceremony for a veterans memorial outside the Sawyer Building, 555 E. Washington Ave. Among the parade entrants will be World War II veterans from the Coast Guard, Army Air Corps and the Navy being transported by Community Ambulance.
Contact Keith Rogers at krogers@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0308. Find him on Twitter: @KeithRogers2
