Veterans Day parade planned in Ephrata

EPHRATA — The American Legion Art Semro Post and Unit 28 is proud to host the 28th annual Veterans Day Parade in Ephrata Tuesday, Veterans Day, honoring the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, according to an announcement from Post Auxiliary Secretary Rebecca Pettingill.  

The parade is free and open to the public, according to the announcement. Spectators are encouraged to line the parade route and wave flags to show their support and appreciation. 

The parade will begin at about 10:45 a.m., according to the announcement. Marchers will start at the Grant County Courthouse, marching south on C Street to Second Avenue Southwest, then take a left, travel one block to Basin Street and take another left. The parade will stop on Basin Street in front of the Ephrata Recreation Center for a rifle salute at 11 a.m. The parade will then continue north on Basin Street to First Avenue Northwest, turn left and travel one block back to the courthouse. Another salute will be fired at the Vietnam Memorial in front of the courthouse to dismiss the parade participants. 

The 11 a.m. salute is timed to represent the armistice that ended World War I, which went into effect Nov. 11, 1919: the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. 

After the parade, a luncheon for veterans and parade participants will be held at the American Legion Art Semro Post home, 276 Eighth Avenue Northwest in Ephrata. The luncheon is hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary. 

“We invite everyone to join us in showing gratitude and respect for all United States service members at our annual parade this Veterans Day,” Pettingill wrote in the announcement. “We love seeing our community show up to support our veterans each year at the parade. It means so much to our organization that our community has consistently come together to show appreciation for their service to our country year after year.” 

Here are some other ways to honor those who served on Veterans Day: 

• Coffey Anderson Veterans Day Concert 

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music, patriotism and community with a special Veterans Day performance by country music star Coffey Anderson. 7 p.m. at Quincy High School Performing Arts Center, 403 Jackrabbit St. NE. Info: 509-787-2140. 

• Moses Lake Elks Veterans Dinner 

Community event to honor veterans. $10 per person, free to all active duty military and veterans. Lodge opens 4:30 p.m., ceremony 5 p.m., spaghetti dinner 6 p.m. at Moses Lake Elks Club, 217 N. Elder St. Info: www.elks.org. 

• Veterans Day Rally and Food Drive
Join locals to collect food and support veterans from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Moses Lake at 424 S. Alder Street in Moses Lake. Food gathered will support local food banks which have seen a rising need lately and are under pressure as the government shutdown impacts them in multiple ways. 

• Pasco Veterans Day Celebration 

American Legion Post 34 will partner with the City of Pasco and the Columbia Basin Veterans Center to host a program with presentation of colors and service flags. 3 p.m. at Volunteer Park, 1125 N 4th Ave, Pasco. Info: 509-539-7197.