Sierra Telephone, located in Oakhurst, invites the public to its annual Patriot Day event on Friday Sept. 10, at the Sierra Telephone Headquarters building at 49150 Road 426.

The event, which begins at 9 a.m., is intended to recognize and show appreciation to all veterans and emergency services personnel for their dedication to their country and to communities as well as to honor the memory of those who lost their lives on Sept. 11.

Included will be a special flag-raising ceremony and pledge of allegiance, patriotic music, special performances by elementary and high school groups, 21 rifle salute and taps. Guest speaker is Father Richard Lamontagne, local veteran who served as a chaplain on the front lines of the Vietnam War. Veterans and emergency services personnel will be presented with recognition gifts.

Immediately following the event, the Sierra Telephone Safety Awareness Committee will serve refreshments, including “all-American apple pie,” in the pavilion located behind the Sierra Telephone building.

Each year following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Sierra Tel has made a visible statement of patriotism by affixing flags to each of its company vehicles. The flags are flown from Patriot Day on Sept. 11 through Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11 to “show our communities the depth of caring and patriotism of the entire Sierra Tel family,” said Harry Baker, Sierra Telephone president.