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Tag: veterans

  • Citrus Heights ‘Stand Down’ event to help homeless veterans

    Homeless man
    Stock photo, homeless man. Credit: Matthew Woitunski [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
    Updated March 26, 12:12 p.m.–
    In a collaborative effort to assist homeless and struggling veterans in the Citrus Heights area, the local Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART) along with American Legion Post 637 will host a daylong “Stand Down” event on March 30.

    “Our focus is to bring together and make available as many services as possible,” HART Chairwoman Kathilynn Carpenter said in a news release. She said services offered to veterans would include housing assistance, employment, medical, legal, and food.

    The Wednesday event will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Holy Family Church on Old Auburn Road, promising “a safe retreat for veterans to rest and tap into much needed services.” Organizers expect over 150 veterans to attend.

    Various Stand Down events for veterans are held across the country, and are based off stand-downs used during the Vietnam War to provide safe retreats for those returning from combat.

    [Learn more about HART: Citrus Heights seeks to address area homelessness]

    HART is a local nonprofit formed in 2014, with a mission to implement long-term solutions to homelessness through public-private partnerships. True to its mission, HART’s stand down event has garnered the support of more than a dozen private and public agencies, with sponsors including the City of Citrus Heights, Sunrise Marketplace, and the Citrus Heights Police Department.

    An event flier also invites community members to help by donating clothing, pet food, drinks, and food, as well personal care items like tooth brushes and deodorant. The flier additionally lists a need for dental and veterinary services to be provided at the event, and an “adopt a meal” option for breakfast or lunch is listed for $100 to $125.

    Those wishing to donate or serve are invited to contact Event Chair Katherine Cooley, at Kcooley@citrusheights.net, or by phone at (916) 727-4952.

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    See event flier: StandDown.pdf

  • Sylvan Memorial Day Ceremony: Freedom Isn’t Free

    A Memorial Day ceremony held at Sylvan Cemetery was led by Citrus Heights Police Dept.'s Honor Guard.
    A Memorial Day ceremony held at Sylvan Cemetery was led by Citrus Heights Police Dept.’s Honor Guard.

    A large crowd of veterans and community members packed under the gazebo at Sylvan Cemetery today in remembrance of the many Americans who lost their lives in combat since the Revolutionary War began in 1775.

    “We need to remember why we’re here today,” said Citrus Heights Mayor Mel Turner, who mentioned in his speech that his son recently retired from the military. “It’s not about barbecues, the Budweisers, and those kinds of things — it’s really about honoring and recognizing and acknowledging those folks who have done so many important things to allow us to do the things we do today.”

    Beginning with a procession along the cemetery’s “Avenue of Flags,” the event concluded with a memorial service which featured speeches by Citrus Heights council members, veterans, and city Police Chief Christopher Boyd.

    Speakers emphasized remembrance of the sacrifice of soldiers who have lost their lives, and the role the military has played in protecting freedom in America, beginning with the Revolutionary War.

    “Americans must remember that freedom isn’t free,” said Paul Reyes, of the Citrus Heights American Legion post. “In fact it’s only possible because our fallen heroes have paid its high price.”