thedrifter
05-18-07, 08:32 AM
Red, white and blue thank-you to pay tribute to military
By Linda McIntosh
TODAY'S LOCAL NEWS
May 18, 2007
OCEANSIDE – When Humvees, assault vehicles and amphibious craft hit the beach in Oceanside tomorrow, Cassandra Norris will be there with her 4-year old son, Brendan, whose father is deployed in Iraq.
The vehicles on display are not exactly what Brendan's father is using in a land far away, but are close enough to remind the boy of his favorite hero.
The display of military museum vehicles from World War II and Vietnam is part of the sixth annual Operation Appreciation, a daylong event for the community to say thank you to Marines from Camp Pendleton.
Last year, the static exhibit was a big hit with Brendan, even though he didn't get to go with his dad, Cpl. Charles Norris, who was in Iraq.
This year, Norris is deployed again, but Mom and son are set on joining thousands of other Marines and families for the celebration on Armed Forces Day.
“It makes you feel proud, seeing all the other Marines and knowing the volunteers are taking time out of their day to serve you lunch,” Norris said.
Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood, community leaders and other dignitaries are slated to help volunteers serve a free catered lunch to about 4,000 active-duty military.
Hollywood actor and producer Branscombe Richmond, who played Bobby Sixkiller on the TV series, “Renegade,” will bring his band, the Renegade Posse.
Opening ceremonies kick off at 11 a.m. in the Oceanside Pier Amphitheater, with a lineup of live entertainment from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Between 5,000 to 8,000 are expected to turn out .
The children's area opens at 9 a.m. and has expanded to include carnival-type rides, a rock climbing wall and activities for all ages.
Cliff and Company from KSON-FM 97.3 radio will entertain, and an air show will feature several flyovers of T-34 airplanes.
“We want to give the Marines and sailors a day of respite and take a moment to say thank you,” said Dawn Baker of the Armed Service YMCA Camp Pendleton, one of the main event sponsors. The 2007 Southern California Beach Soccer Championship will be held at the Oceanside Harbor during Operation Appreciation and will sponsor military teams for some friendly competition.
Linda McIntosh: (760) 752-6756;linda.mcintosh@tlnews.net
Ellie
By Linda McIntosh
TODAY'S LOCAL NEWS
May 18, 2007
OCEANSIDE – When Humvees, assault vehicles and amphibious craft hit the beach in Oceanside tomorrow, Cassandra Norris will be there with her 4-year old son, Brendan, whose father is deployed in Iraq.
The vehicles on display are not exactly what Brendan's father is using in a land far away, but are close enough to remind the boy of his favorite hero.
The display of military museum vehicles from World War II and Vietnam is part of the sixth annual Operation Appreciation, a daylong event for the community to say thank you to Marines from Camp Pendleton.
Last year, the static exhibit was a big hit with Brendan, even though he didn't get to go with his dad, Cpl. Charles Norris, who was in Iraq.
This year, Norris is deployed again, but Mom and son are set on joining thousands of other Marines and families for the celebration on Armed Forces Day.
“It makes you feel proud, seeing all the other Marines and knowing the volunteers are taking time out of their day to serve you lunch,” Norris said.
Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood, community leaders and other dignitaries are slated to help volunteers serve a free catered lunch to about 4,000 active-duty military.
Hollywood actor and producer Branscombe Richmond, who played Bobby Sixkiller on the TV series, “Renegade,” will bring his band, the Renegade Posse.
Opening ceremonies kick off at 11 a.m. in the Oceanside Pier Amphitheater, with a lineup of live entertainment from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Between 5,000 to 8,000 are expected to turn out .
The children's area opens at 9 a.m. and has expanded to include carnival-type rides, a rock climbing wall and activities for all ages.
Cliff and Company from KSON-FM 97.3 radio will entertain, and an air show will feature several flyovers of T-34 airplanes.
“We want to give the Marines and sailors a day of respite and take a moment to say thank you,” said Dawn Baker of the Armed Service YMCA Camp Pendleton, one of the main event sponsors. The 2007 Southern California Beach Soccer Championship will be held at the Oceanside Harbor during Operation Appreciation and will sponsor military teams for some friendly competition.
Linda McIntosh: (760) 752-6756;linda.mcintosh@tlnews.net
Ellie