thedrifter
12-04-06, 07:22 AM
Military Appreciation Day gets warm response
By: NOELLE IBRAHIM - Staff Writer
SAN MARCOS ---- While San Marcos residents created gingerbread houses and took pictures with Santa during the city's 12th annual Santa's Magical Village, more than 100 local active duty military and their family members were treated to free burgers and Mexican food and a magic show Sunday at the San Marcos Community Center.
The city's first Military Appreciation Day, held in conjunction with the annual Holiday Parade and festivities, featured a luncheon, a pianist playing holiday music, goodie bags, magicians and a book of coupons for military families to enjoy free activities such as face painting, balloon animals and a photograph with Santa.
The event, which started off slowly, but picked up once the Holiday Parade was over, was meant as a thank-you to San Marcos military and their families for all the sacrifices they've made, not just for the city of San Marcos but for the entire nation, officials said.
"We can't do enough to thank these people who are laying their lives on the line for our country," said Mayor Corky Smith, who suggested the event. "The least we can do is honor them. I'm glad San Marcos is stepping up and doing something for our military families."
Smith warmly greeted families as they walked in the door and mingled with them as they dined on free food from Dalton's Roadhouse and Mr. Taco.
"It makes our family happy for (the city) to recognize the sacrifices we make," said Virginia Moreno, whose daughter, Erika Henandez-Villanueva, 19, is a sergeant in the Army. Henandez-Villanueva was recently deployed to Iraq.
"It's hard not to have her here for the holidays," said Moreno, who brought along her other daughters, Stacy, 16, Taylor, 11 and Leslie, 5. Leslie had already participated in a number of activities the city planned by getting a festive poinsettia painted on her cheek.
"We're so proud of her, but we're also heartbroken," said Moreno, as she sat at a table decorated with American flags and red, silver and blue stars.
Five-year-old Kayla and 3-year-old Ashley McGuire enjoyed interacting with a green parrot, accompanied by a magician from the Magic Guild of Southern California.
"They're having a blast," said mother Andrea McGuire, who has lived in San Marcos since May. "This is such a great gesture on the city's part to show support for military and their families. Many of us lead a life of transition, so it's nice to feel embraced by the community."
McGuire said that although she was fortunate enough to be accompanied to the event by her husband Ron, a lieutenant in the Navy, she thought it was a wonderful way for families whose relatives are deployed to celebrate the season with the community.
"I hope this catches on," she said.
Contact staff writer Noelle Ibrahim at (760) 761-4404 or nibrahim@nctimes.com. Comment at nctimes.com.
Ellie
By: NOELLE IBRAHIM - Staff Writer
SAN MARCOS ---- While San Marcos residents created gingerbread houses and took pictures with Santa during the city's 12th annual Santa's Magical Village, more than 100 local active duty military and their family members were treated to free burgers and Mexican food and a magic show Sunday at the San Marcos Community Center.
The city's first Military Appreciation Day, held in conjunction with the annual Holiday Parade and festivities, featured a luncheon, a pianist playing holiday music, goodie bags, magicians and a book of coupons for military families to enjoy free activities such as face painting, balloon animals and a photograph with Santa.
The event, which started off slowly, but picked up once the Holiday Parade was over, was meant as a thank-you to San Marcos military and their families for all the sacrifices they've made, not just for the city of San Marcos but for the entire nation, officials said.
"We can't do enough to thank these people who are laying their lives on the line for our country," said Mayor Corky Smith, who suggested the event. "The least we can do is honor them. I'm glad San Marcos is stepping up and doing something for our military families."
Smith warmly greeted families as they walked in the door and mingled with them as they dined on free food from Dalton's Roadhouse and Mr. Taco.
"It makes our family happy for (the city) to recognize the sacrifices we make," said Virginia Moreno, whose daughter, Erika Henandez-Villanueva, 19, is a sergeant in the Army. Henandez-Villanueva was recently deployed to Iraq.
"It's hard not to have her here for the holidays," said Moreno, who brought along her other daughters, Stacy, 16, Taylor, 11 and Leslie, 5. Leslie had already participated in a number of activities the city planned by getting a festive poinsettia painted on her cheek.
"We're so proud of her, but we're also heartbroken," said Moreno, as she sat at a table decorated with American flags and red, silver and blue stars.
Five-year-old Kayla and 3-year-old Ashley McGuire enjoyed interacting with a green parrot, accompanied by a magician from the Magic Guild of Southern California.
"They're having a blast," said mother Andrea McGuire, who has lived in San Marcos since May. "This is such a great gesture on the city's part to show support for military and their families. Many of us lead a life of transition, so it's nice to feel embraced by the community."
McGuire said that although she was fortunate enough to be accompanied to the event by her husband Ron, a lieutenant in the Navy, she thought it was a wonderful way for families whose relatives are deployed to celebrate the season with the community.
"I hope this catches on," she said.
Contact staff writer Noelle Ibrahim at (760) 761-4404 or nibrahim@nctimes.com. Comment at nctimes.com.
Ellie