EL DORADO, Calif. Cris Alarcon (November 10, 2023) – El Dorado County’s unwavering commitment to honoring its military veterans takes center stage as the Native Daughters of the Golden West #12 orchestrated a heartfelt brunch, transcending the confines of traditional Veterans Day observance. The event, held at the El Dorado Community Church on Church Street in El Dorado, serves as a year-round salute to the men and women who have served in the armed forces.
Year-Round Honor: El Dorado County’s Ongoing Tribute to Veterans
The Native Daughters of the Golden West #12 Placerville spearheaded a special brunch on November 7, marking a continuation of El Dorado County’s dedication to expressing gratitude to veterans throughout the year. Recognizing that the commitment and sacrifice of military service extend beyond designated commemorative days, the community remains proactive in ensuring that veterans feel appreciated and acknowledged on a continuous basis.
Hosted with Heart: Native Daughters Lead the Charge
The brunch, held at the warm and welcoming El Dorado Community Church Social Hall, epitomized the community’s sentiment of gratitude. Native Daughters of the Golden West #12 Placerville took the lead in hosting this event, providing a platform for the community to directly express appreciation to veterans. The gathering fostered camaraderie and shared respect in a meaningful way.
Breaking Bread and Building Bonds: A Feast with a Purpose
The brunch went beyond culinary excellence, with hearty homemade biscuits and gravy, 10 pounds of donated sausage from KINGS MEATS, and an array of homemade casseroles, quiches, and sweets, including coffee donated by Cuppa Coffee. Special touches, like homemade cookies by community members Susie Small and Michal Lawrence and homemade Apple Butter by Robin Ritchison, added a personalized and heartfelt dimension to the event. Cooked with love by Robin Ritchison and James Franceschi. Robin is the
“Daughter of Navy and granddaughter of Army ‘proudly.'”
Celebrating Veterans: A Gesture of Appreciation
Veterans were not only treated to a delicious meal but were also presented with thoughtful gifts, including Starbucks gift cards and handmade embroidery gift towels crafted by Vonnie East. The Native Daughters of the Golden West brought the rest lead by Maryann Harper, president NDGW Parlor #12 Placerville. A huge shoutout to Vonnie East for the homemade embroidery gift towels. The event aimed to extend gratitude beyond words, creating an atmosphere where veterans felt truly celebrated.
Speakers and Storytellers: Adding Depth to the Occasion
The brunch featured compelling guest speakers, including Chris Cockrell, an Army veteran with notable service in Panama, and Guy Nixon, a Navy veteran accompanied by his father Bill, both recognized local historians, brought a captivating narrative to the event, enriching the occasion with stories that resonated with the veteran community.
Venue Spotlight: El Dorado Community Church
The choice of the El Dorado Community Church, situated on Church Street in El Dorado, added a layer of community warmth to the event. The hall served as a fitting backdrop, symbolizing the unity and support that define the community’s relationship with its veterans.
Beyond Ceremonies: Gratitude Knows No Calendar
The brunch organized by the Native Daughters of the Golden West #12 serves as a poignant reminder that gratitude for veterans transcends specific dates on the calendar. El Dorado County’s commitment to expressing thanks in diverse ways underscores the community’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by its military members.
Continuing the Tradition: El Dorado County’s Pledge to Veterans
As the echoes of the brunch linger, El Dorado County reaffirms its commitment to an ongoing tradition of honoring veterans. The Native Daughters of the Golden West #12, through their leadership, set an example for the community, emphasizing that the spirit of gratitude should be a constant presence in the lives of those who have served.
In this community-driven tribute, El Dorado County exemplifies a year-round commitment to expressing gratitude, ensuring that veterans are not just remembered but actively appreciated for their service and sacrifice. The brunch on November 7 stands as a symbol of this enduring pledge, embodying the community’s deep respect for its veterans.*
Robin L. Ritchison “TEAMWORK IS THE DREAM WORK”
Native Daughters of the Golden West is an American non-profit organization for women born in California. The organization focuses on the care and preservation of California history. It is the sister organization to the Native Sons of the Golden West. The organization was founded in Pioneer Hall, a historic building located in Jackson, California. The first meeting took place on September 11, 1886, in that Hall.
