Each year at the eleventh hour, on the eleventh of day of the eleventh month time stands still among people gathered in many places to pay tribute to veterans of the armed forces.
The ceremonies they attend commemorate the cessation of World War I hostilities with the armistice signed between Allied Forces and Germany.
The historic date was duly observed locally with simultaneous events held by lakeside area veterans organizations to honor U.S., Canadian, British and Mexican men and women who have served in the military during times of war and peace.
Army, Navy, Air Force Veterans (ANAVETS) Mexico Unit 19 and the Canadian Veterans Support Association (CVSA) joined together to host the Remembrance Day ceremony in San Antonio Tlayacapan, while the American Legion Post 7 sponsored the Veterans Day service in Chapala.
The ANAVETS-CVSA ceremony led by Rick Palmer followed a formal protocol, with many among the veterans in attendance dressed in their military uniforms, and bugle and bagpipe players adding musical solemnity to the occasion. Guadalajara Canadian Consul Frank Le offered thoughtful reflections on military service as special guest speaker.
Afterwards the crowd of around 140 guests socialized and shared light luncheon fare. Leftover food was donated to Mama’s Cleo’s Boys Home.
In addition to traditional components, the Post 7 service featured brief remarks by Commander Russell Butler and guest speakers delving into different aspects of military service and veterans’ issues, interspersed with short videos. Attending on behalf of Chapala Mayor Alejandro Aguirre was his economic advisor Moisés Ochoa who spoke about his own U.S. military experience and the local government’s gratitude for the contributions of expatriate residents to the community.
A social hour and sit-down smoked pork chop dinner followed at 1 p.m.
Local veterans groups welcome one and all to their diverse community activities and fundraisers for charitable causes. Keep track of regular happenings and special events on Facebook sites: Chapala Mexico American Legion Post 7, Anavets Mexico Unit 19 and Canadian Veteran’s Support Association.