Nov. 7, Dixon High School will hold its annual Veterans Day Rally at 11:14 a.m. in the school gym, 555 College Way. The rally will include games, music and presentations from active-duty members of the U.S. armed forces. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Each year on Nov. 11, the nation pauses to recognize the service and sacrifice of its veterans. The date holds historical importance, tracing back to the end of World War I. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, fighting in “The Great War” ceased on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, when an armistice between Allied forces and Germany took effect. The first Armistice Day was proclaimed in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson, and in 1954, the observance was renamed Veterans Day to honor all American veterans.

Locally, several events and traditions mark the holiday. The community begins its observances Nov. 7, leading up to Veterans Day Nov. 11.

American Legion Post 208 will host a Veterans Dinner at 6 p.m. Nov. 7, at American Legion Veterans Hall, 1305 N. First St. The event features a barbecue dinner with tri-tip, chicken and sides for $25 per guest. The bar opens at 4 p.m., with dinner served at 6 p.m. Proceeds support local veterans programs. For more information, visit the post’s Facebook page or call 707-678-6308.

Also on Nov. 7, Dixon High School will hold its annual Veterans Day Rally at 11:14 a.m. in the school gym, 555 College Way. The rally will include games, music and presentations from active-duty members of the U.S. armed forces.

Each year on Nov. 11, the nation pauses to recognize the service and sacrifice of its veterans. Locally, several events and traditions mark the holiday. The community begins its observances Nov. 7, leading up to Veterans Day Nov. 11. Photo by Nicolas Brown

On Veterans Day itself, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, 1700 N. First St., will host an all-day Dine & Donate event benefiting Dixon High School. A portion of all sales from dine-in, takeout and call-in orders will be donated to support student programs. Patrons are encouraged to mention Dixon High School when ordering.

Community members will also honor veterans at Silveyville Cemetery, 800 S. First St., with the annual Veterans Day Flag Placement. Boy Scout Troop 152, Cub Scouts Pack 253 and local families will gather from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 8 to place flags on the graves of veterans. Volunteers will return at 4 p.m. Nov. 12 to retrieve the flags.

For those seeking quiet reflection, the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, will be open for visitation from sunrise to sunset throughout the holiday. Though no formal ceremony is planned, visitors can explore the Veterans Legacy Memorial, a digital platform allowing tributes, photos and biographical information to be shared online.

Preparations are also underway for the cemetery’s annual Wreath Project in December. Volunteers will be needed to unload trucks Dec. 12, and to place holiday boughs beginning at 7:30 a.m. Dec. 13. The project, organized by RememberAVet.net, aims to cover all 38,000 graves with wreaths. Donations can be made at gofundme.com or mailed to RememberAVet.net, P.O. Box 773, Winters.

Veterans Day remains a time for Dixon residents to come together in appreciation of the men and women who have served the nation through community service, remembrance and tradition.