Families, school day experiences, exciting times with friends, celebrations prepared together to honor special people, and rousing music are some of the things that people everywhere hold close to their hearts. The children of Mariposa have grown up with memories of the traditional Veterans’ Day ceremony which they plan each year for the veterans of their town.

Each November on the Mariposa Elementary playground, students from various schools and Mariposa County High School honor veterans with patriotic music and respect. Mariposa’s Keith M. Bertken VFW Post 6042 presents the flag, executes a 21-gun salute, and Neil Stonum plays “Taps.” In past years, students have seen the presentation of Dennis Blessing’s Purple Heart and even touched Bill Boyd’s medal.

They have watched some of their own fathers and former MES students return from war and heard them sing along during the ceremony. In kindergarten and first grade children learn the sign language for “God Bless the USA,” and they practice with their friends on the playground before the big day when they get to perform for their special audience. They clap as veterans stand proudly when the MCHS Band plays the branch music.

The community can join friends, neighbors, school children, and local veterans on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 8:45 a.m. on the Mariposa Elementary School playground.