Organizations across Clark County are coming together to honor the men and women who served in the military.
Those seeking the most fanfare can find it today at the Lough Legacy Veterans Parade at the Fort Vancouver National Site. The parade will step off at 11 a.m., starting at 1501 E. Evergreen Blvd.
Now in its 33rd year, this year’s event expects to see more than 100 parade entries, nearly 2,400 marchers and more than 5,000 spectators. Festivities are scheduled to conclude around 1 p.m.
Immediately afterward, attendees are invited to join the Community Military Action Committee for an open house at Hudson’s Bay High School, 1601 E. McLoughlin Blvd. The event will feature free hot dogs, chips and ice cream, and feature exhibits with local military and veteran organizations.
This year is the first time that the parade will be followed by a public reception.
“We’re trying to make it a fun event that people would like to go to,” Mike Burton, co-chairman of Community Military Action Committee, told The Columbian earlier this week.
A free shuttle service running between the parade route and high school will be provided. For more info on the parade and the reception, visit thehistorictrust.org/calendar/veteransparade/.
Other events will take place around the county over the next few days. They include:
Today
• A pie and ice cream social at Mt. Valley Grange No. 79, 40107 N.E. 221st Ave., Amboy. The program will begin at 6:45 p.m. and feature speakers U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Dennis L. Steigmann, and Fire Chief Shaun Ford. A raffle and pie auction will also be held. Tickets are $1.50 for children and $3 for adults. Proceeds will benefit the Mt. Valley Grange.
Sunday
• A free mass wedding and mass vow renewal ceremony for veterans with military ID, hosted by Camas florist Mystic Gardens, 1924 N.E. Third Ave., Camas. The wedding ceremony will be held at 11 a.m., and the vow renewal ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. Heterosexual and same-sex couples are welcome.
Monday
• A ceremony honoring veterans at the Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St., led by Mayor Mike Dalesandro and Councilmember Philip Johnson and including a reading of the names of 31 local men who died in service. The event begins at 11 a.m.
• A service opportunity open to local students and veterans: S&VEN, or Students & Veterans Engaging, which connects students and veterans as they work together to fight hunger at the Clark County Food Bank, 6502 N.E. 47th Ave., Vancouver. One session runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a second session runs from 1 to 3 p.m. Lunch is provided to all volunteers.
• A concert of patriotic songs that pays tribute to the U.S. armed forces at ilani casino’s Muze Lounge, featuring performances by Thom Effinger, Bill White, Britnee Kellogg and Kimberly Hall. The concert begins at 1 p.m.
• A ceremony honoring veterans in Ridgefield, at the Veterans Memorial, 117 N. Third Ave. The ceremony is hosted by Ridgefield American Legion Post 44 and starts at 3 p.m.
The following businesses will also feature discounts or freebies for veterans carrying proof of military service on Monday:
Washington State Parks: Free entrance.
Applebee’s: Free lunch or dinner.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Free small order of wings with fries.
Chipotle: Buy one, get one free on most menu items.
Golden Corral: Free dinner.
IHOP: Free breakfast combo or pancakes.
Krispy Kreme: Free doughnut and small coffee.
Little Caesars Pizza: Free pizza or lunch combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Olive Garden: Free entree.
Outback Steakhouse: Free bloomin’ onion and drink.
Red Lobster: Free appetizer or dessert.
Red Robin: Free burger and fries.
Discovery Dental: Free treatment between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Great Clips: Free haircut or haircut card.
Kaady Car Wash: Free car wash.
