Veterans Day: Comprehensive Ceremony Celebrates All

Area resident Josephine Zavala came with her four granddaughters and three grandsons to Roseville's Veterans Day ceremony Monday to teach them the importance of recognition. 

"We came to teach the girls and boys it's not just a day off from school," Zavala said. "To teach them because of their sacrifices we enjoy the freedoms that we have." 

The outdoor ceremony with about 250 attendees was held alongside the city's World War II Monument on Vernon St.

Zavala's daughter Josephine VanZandt and daughter-in-law Andrea Zavala also attended. "We wanted to honor the veterans today," said VanZandt who grew up in Roseville and whose husband Richard VanZandt served in the U.S. Army.

Monday's ceremony included honors to servicemembers from every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Remembrances were given to Revolutionary, Korean, and Vietnam wars. Special recognitions were made to those named on the World War II Monument. 

U.S. Marine Sgt. John Smith and U.S. Air Force Veteran Richard Duran each spoke on the importance of the holiday and its history. 

"Veterans Day is held to honor 'all' of those men and women who have honorably served in the military," said Sgt. Smith. 

"I would like you all to leave here with a new understanding and committment," said Duran. "Veterans Day. It's really 365 days a year as long as we have men and women serving..." 

Mayor Pauline Roccucci mirrored their regard. 

"One thing I think of in November is Veterans Day. But also Election Day," said Mayor Pauline Roccucci. "These are special days and really make you think of all of our freedoms...That right to vote and to make decisions. And we have the veterans from all of the wars to thank for that." 

Representatives from the Gold Trail Daughters of the American Revolution also attended, handing out American flags to participants and attendees. Roseville Police officers performed a rifle salute.

The colors were presented and retired by members of the Roseville Police and Fire departments. And Roseville High School veterans were honored by representatives from the Roseville High School Alumni Association. 

The Roseville High School Band directed by Mark Toffelmier provided patriotic music.

The local Veterans of Foreign Wars also celebrated with an event held earlier in the day inside Roseville's Veterans Memorial Hall. 

The WWII Monument event was sponsored by the Roseville Historical Society, the City of Roseville and the Surewest Foundation.  

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Did you attend the WWII Monument Ceremony or the VFW ceremony at Veterans Hall? If so, upload your photos or videos. 

For more things happening around Roseville every day of the week, check our Events Calendar. You can even add your own events at roseville-ca.patch.com/events/new.