PLACERVILLE — At 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, the community of El Dorado County will gather at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument (360 Fair Lane, Placerville) to honour veterans both living and fallen. The event preserves the vision set out by Marine Corporal Richard W. Buchanan to recognize the sacrifices of local service members. El Dorado County Veterans Monument+1
Ceremony highlights
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The call to order will be given by Officer in Charge Capt. Jack Babbitt, USMC (Ret.).
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Sergeant-at-Arms duties will be led by Marine Corps Sgt. Tyler Dennis of the 12th Marine Corps Detachment, Placerville Recruiting Office.
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The ceremonial host is Joseph Thuesen, USMC veteran and Commandant of the Marine Corps League – SSgt. Sky Mote Detachment 697 of Placerville.
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Colours will be presented by the Eugene L. Carnahan Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron 85. The national anthem and other service anthems will be sung by the Ponderosa High School Chamber Choir under Craig Mason’s direction.
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Invocation and benediction will be offered by Chaplain Lt. Col. Tim Thompson, USA (Ret.).
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Representatives from the county’s veteran service organisations — American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Marine Corps League — will lead the Pledge of Allegiance and flag-parade featuring local scouting and youth groups.
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Proclamations will be read by Bill Feigles of the California Department of Veterans Affairs (Deputy Secretary-Home Loan Division); Supervisor Brian Veerkamp (District 3, El Dorado County Board of Supervisors); and Mayor John Clerici of Placerville.
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Eight newly engraved memorial bricks will be unveiled, honouring Vietnam and Global War on Terror veterans from the county.
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A wreath-laying, three-volley rifle salute by the combined Honor Guard of local Legion, VFW and Marine League detachments, bagpipes rendition of Amazing Grace by Sgt. Rob Roy (USA, Ret.), and Taps by bugler and Vietnam veteran Victor Mansfield (USMC) will conclude the outdoor program.
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After the ceremony, a free Veterans Day luncheon is offered at the El Dorado County Veterans Service Office (Veterans Memorial Building, 130 Placerville Drive) — open to all veterans, their families and the public.
Monument background and community impact
The Veterans Monument was first envisioned by Richard W. Buchanan and now holds more than 2,000 engraved bricks and memorials representing service from the French and Indian War through to the Global War on Terror. El Dorado County Veterans Monument+1
Organisers note that the sale of memorial bricks supports the non-profit El Dorado County Veterans Coalition and scholarship funds that have awarded more than $100,000 to county high-school seniors since 2007. The coalition’s secretary/treasurer, Janet Buchanan, emphasises the dual purpose: “We remember those who served and we invest in the future of our community.”
Invitation to the community
Local residents are encouraged to attend — whether they are veterans, family members, or community supporters. The event offers a meaningful opportunity to honour service, connect with fellow citizens and reflect on sacrifice and gratitude. Organisers ask guests to arrive early (10:45 a.m. recommended) for seating and flag-display preparation.
“Each year we stand together at the monument not only to remember, but to reaffirm our commitment to those who served and those who still serve,”
said Joseph Thuesen, commanding the ceremony as Ceremonial Host.
For El Dorado County residents, this ceremony offers a local venue to mark Veterans Day in a meaningful way — without needing to travel far — and acknowledges neighbours, friends and family among those honoured. The presence of youth participants, veteran organisations and local government involvement helps connect generations and highlight the ongoing importance of community-service bonds.
RSVP / Additional Information
No formal RSVP is required. Parking is available at the monument site; attendees are advised to dress for the weather and note that the ceremony is outdoors. For questions about memorial brick purchases or scholarships, contact the El Dorado County Veterans Service Office or visit the monument website.
