Features

In a city well-known for opposing wars, Tuesday’s upcoming Veteran’s Day ceremony has been designed to maintain the city’s traditional stance while ensuring that veterans are honored for their service to the community.  

Hosted by the Vietnam era singer/songwriter and Navy veteran Country Joe McDonald, the ceremony at Martin Luther King Civic Center Park begins at 11:11 a.m. Tuesday, the same time the guns fell silent at the end of World War I. 

This year’s ceremony is much larger than those of recent years, in part because of the efforts of McDonald—who approached Mayor Tom Bates to ask for increased recognition for the city’s vets. 

Mayor Bates said McDonald and other vets have been working closely with him on this year’s event. 

“Blaming soldiers for war is like blaming firefighters for fire,” said McDonald. “We are obligated to make ourselves aware of the veterans and acknowledge their service. The ceremony in meant to show our gratitude.” 

Hosted by McDonald, the ceremony will include patriotic music by the Piedmont High School Bagpipers, music by Joey Blake (a veteran and faculty member at Berkeley’s Jazzschool), the laying of wreaths by veterans and family members of currently deployed Berkeley residents, and a ceremonial retirement of old flags by the Color Guard of the UC Berkeley ROTC. 

Two Boy Scout troops, a Venture Scout Crew and a Cub Scout Pack will also participate. 

For more information please contact Calvin Fong at the mayor’s office at 981-7100.