ANAHEIM, CA - (October 13, 2011) - The City of Anaheim will continue its tradition of celebrating Veterans Day by honoring retired military members at a special ceremony in downtown Anaheim on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. Colonel Christopher D. Taylor, commander of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, will join Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait and the City Council at the at the Anaheim Veterans Monument and pay tribute to the brave men and women who willingly serve our country. The public and media are invited to attend this free patriotic celebration.

“Celebrating freedom is one of our greatest privileges, and we are looking forward to honoring the men and women of our armed forces who willingly sacrificed their lives for democracy and liberty,” said Mayor Tom Tait. “America’s veterans are true heroes, and it is our hope and intention to let them know how much they are appreciated and remembered, not just on Veterans Day, but every day.”

The 9-foot high Anaheim Veterans Monument was dedicated on Dec. 4, 1999, and designed by Orange County artist Richard Turner. The monument, made from bronze-relief and concrete, depicts all branches of the military from wars of the 20th century. Turner’s research in the Anaheim Library led him to include images depicting actual Anaheim residents. The monument is flanked by two fountains, representative of water washing away years of conflict.

The City of Anaheim adopted the 13th MEU on Oct. 9, 2007 to encourage interaction between the community and military personnel. The Marine adoption committee serves as a support system for the 13th MEU and their families at home while the Marines are deployed. The 13th MEU provides community support by participating in local school programs and City special events.

The Anaheim Veterans Monument is located adjacent to the Muzeo in downtown Anaheim ( 241 S. Anaheim Blvd.). Parking for the Veterans Day event will be available at Anaheim City Hall (200 S. Anaheim Blvd.), with special needs parking available at the northeast corner of Broadway and Lemon.

KOCE broadcaster and Marine veteran Ed Arnold will serve as the event emcee. Vocalist Kristen Romero will provide patriotic music.

Nov. 10 is also the anniversary of the Marine Corps, which was founded in 1775. A committee of the Continental Congress approved a resolution that year, officially forming the Continental Marines. Each year the Marine Corps marks Nov. 10 as its anniversary.

For more information please visit www.anaheim.net.

Media Contact: Ruth Ruiz 714.765.5060more city news

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ABOUT ANAHEIM – The City of Anaheim, founded in 1857, is one of the nation's premier municipalities and is one of California's most populous cities. Anaheim covers 50 square miles with more than 343,000 residents and more than 2,950 City employees. The municipal corporation's annual budget is $1.5 billion. Anaheim supports a thriving business community with companies such as Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., L-3 Communications, Pacific Sunwear, and Disneyland Resort. Successful sports franchises call Anaheim home, including Angels Baseball, Anaheim Ducks, the U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team, the 2012 Olympic Games Silver Medal winning U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team, and the Professional Arena Soccer League Anaheim Bolts. Anaheim also boasts world-class meeting and entertainment venues with the Anaheim Convention Center, LEED-certified and the largest on the west coast, Honda Center, City National Grove of Anaheim, Anaheim GardenWalk, and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. In addition, Anaheim embraces its vibrant cultural arts community, including the world-renowned Anaheim Ballet. Annually, Anaheim welcomes millions of visitors to the city, truly making it where the world comes to live, work and play. For more information, please visit www.anaheim.net.

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