Veterans celebrated in South Lake Tahoe ceremony

The largest crowd ever to attend the annual Veterans Day Celebration in South Lake Tahoe converged at the American Legion Friday as veterans and service men and women from all wars and military operations were remembered.

"Each of us are here today because of a veteran, those who fought to preserve our freedom," said American Legion Post Chaplain Curt Emrie as he opened the ceremony. "Pray for those who paid the ultimate price and always keep veterans near and dear to our hearts."

Boy Scouts from South Lake Tahoe Troop 594 were the color guard for the day's events, and music was provided by Davin Kangas of Cash Only Band and Jill Scharlow. Maria Delallo played Amazing Grace on bagpipes and the bugle player closed the ceremony with Taps. Young, local students also participated as they passed out flags for all to have.

"We appreciate how much our veterans have done for us," said El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel. Her father is one of the 558 veterans buried or memorialized at Happy Homestead Cemetery in SLT. Earlier, volunteers from the Legion and Moose Lodge placed flags on all of those gravesites.

"It is such an honor to be here with you," said SLT Mayor Wendy David. "You're the ones who have served and sacrificed," she told the dozens of veterans in the gathered crowd. "I've never been prouder to be an American. I am humbled, I am grateful."

Word from "Some Gave All" sung by Kangas

Love your country live with pride and don't forget those who died
All gave some some gave all
Some stood through for the red white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me think of all your liberties
And recall some gave all

Everyone at the Veterans Day Ceremony was treated to a taco lunch provided for free by Tacos por Favor.

Afterwards, several people stopped by the Barton Skilled Nursing Center which is currently home to ten veterans.