LANCASTER – The City of Lancaster invites all service and military veterans who live in and around the Antelope Valley to a ceremony of appreciation in honor of their service, which takes place at this Saturday’s Celebrate America on The BLVD event.
The presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. on the Main Stage, located at the intersection of Lancaster Boulevard and Fern Avenue. The ceremony will begin with the Presentation of Colors, followed by the National Anthem. Next, the City will pay special tribute to the hometown heroes who were nominated for The BLVD Banner program. The tribute will conclude with an opportunity for all local service and military personnel at the event to be photographed together.
“The City has planned this ceremony to show our immense gratitude and thankfulness to the protectors of this nation,” said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “We hope that every veteran in the Antelope Valley comes to participate in this tribute in their honor.”
Celebrate America on The BLVD highlights will also include a 9/11 tribute, Big Band entertainment, WWII memorabilia, a 1940’s style canteen, a USO variety show, vintage poster art, fireworks, kids entertainment, and more.
Featured entertainment throughout the event includes: The Mike Hudson Orchestra, The Hollywood Hi-Tones, and new teen-group sensation R-5, who hail directly from the set of Glee and Disney Channel’s new show “Austin and Ally.” Event-goers will be able to listen to the “Father of our country, George Washington”, as well as “honest Abe Lincoln” as they reminisce on their lives and times. “Marilyn Monroe” may even be spotted strolling down The BLVD!
Downtown businesses and restaurants will be open, and a number of vendors and displays will line The BLVD throughout the evening’s festivities. The Lemon Leaf Café will host a 1940’s style canteen. A children’s area will feature an obstacle course, rock climbing wall, photo booth and fire and sheriff’s displays. The Antelope Valley Blue Star Mothers will raise proceeds for troops overseas, and also provide an opportunity for event goers to assemble care packages to send to servicemen and women. People are encouraged to bring items to be included in care packages as well as mementos, photos and symbols of freedom to adorn a Statue of Liberty replica which will serve as an interactive 9/11 tribute.
The entire community is invited to the free event, which takes place Saturday, September 10th, from 5 to 10 p.m. on The BLVD, between Genoa and Beech Avenues. For more information on the Second Annual Celebrate America on The BLVD, visit www.cityoflancasterca.org/celebrateamerica.
Update: The BLVD will be closed for this event, so there will be no parking on The Blvd. The City is encouraging patrons to park at Boeing Plaza which is located on the corner of Sierra Hwy and Lancaster Boulevard.
Scott Pelka says
This has the appearance of nothing more than a way for Lancaster to have a big event to make money for the downtown business district. In the past memorials as this one is pretending to be were done at the Lancaster cemetery to honor the fallen and show respect for those that gave their lives to save the others that died that day. Sure lets go honor those who died on 9/11 by going and climb a rock wall on Lancaster blvd. It just sickens me.