The City of Turlock will acknowledge and celebrate veterans on Thursday as part of its annual ceremony, but this year the longtime event moves to a new location to allow even more participants.

At 10 a.m. Thursday, community members, veterans and local dignitaries will gather at the Turlock Regional Sports Complex for a morning of music and patriotism. Historically, the City has held the ceremony in downtown’s Central Park by the cannon; however, staff felt that this year, a larger venue with plenty of outdoor space would allow as many attendees as possible.

During the event, the Honor Guard will be on hand to present the colors and perform a 21-gun salute, and the National Anthem and other military songs will be performed by the Pitman Marching Pride and Color Guard.

Local leaders will also be in attendance to honor veterans. A representative from Assemblymember Heath Flora’s office will be there, along with Supervisor Vito Chiesa and Congressman Josh Harder. The keynote speaker of the day will be Rear Admiral Michael Seward, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Reservist.

Mayor Amy Bublak will oversee the event, according to the City.

“Veteran’s Day always allows us to remember the special bond between our community and each and every man and woman who served to defend our American freedom. They give so much in their service, it’s proper that we honor them. We invite all who call Turlock home to join us on Thursday,” Mayor Bublak said.

Local organizations are also doing their part to honor our veterans. Boy Scouts of America Turlock boys and girls troops will be at the Monte Vista Chapel picnic area from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to serve free breakfast to veterans. Others are welcomed to eat breakfast for a cost of $5.

Veterans Day, which was formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans.