Daughters of the American Revolution are preparing for America's 250th birthday. From left is Ash Feeney, Paul Reyes, Jayna Karpinski- Costa, Sue Frost, MariJane Lopez- Taff, Police Chief Alex Turcotte and Jack Frost with members of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

 

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - It was a cold and rainy day which greeted the faithful 50 attendees to the Veterans Day service at Sylvan Cemetery on Nov. 11.

However, the pouring rain which they braved, for the first year in memory, did not lessen the impact the day had on their hearts and their appreciation for those being honored. 

American Legion member and emcee for the day, Paul Reyes, quipped that those who braved the rain to be there “must bleed red, white and blue.” 

In his greeting, Chief of Police Alex Turcotte added, “I got veterans in the room, you got concrete under you, and a roof over top of you, is it a beautiful day?” To this, he was met with a loud “yes” and loud applause.

From then on, the day took on its usual agenda of music and song by Harmony Express and speeches. As part of the traditional opening, the MIA/POW flag was displayed as a reminder that there are still many who served and are still waiting to be welcomed home.

As the Armed Forces Medley was sung, Reyes invited those in each branch of the service to stand as their song was played, and announced the 249th birthday of the Marines as their anthem was played. 

Honored guests were introduced, including County Board of Supervisors member Sue Frost, Police Chief Alex Turcotte, city council members Mayor Jayne Karpinski-Costa, Tim Schaeffer, MariJane Lopez-Taff and City Manager Ash Feeney.

A local singing group performs a patriotic tune. Photo by Elise Spleiss

It was a bittersweet moment as former Citrus Heights mayor and now County Board of Supervisor Sue Frost gave her final greeting to all. She and husband Jack will soon be leaving Citrus Heights for a new life in Arkansas. Frost said it had been an honor and a privilege to have a voice at these services.

Frost gave a short history of how Veterans Day came to be a national holiday. She highlighted milestones beginning in 1919 when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as Armistice Day, to changes in 1926, 1938, 1954, 1968, 1971 and finally 1978 when President Gerald Ford signed into law the return of the official day of observance to Nov. 11.

Speaking from her heart, Frost warned of where our country is going and that, “we cannot blindly follow government. We must be judicious and never forget that our founders created American government to protect our unalienable rights. We don’t work for the government; they work for us.”

Finally, she said, “To all veterans and their families who are here today, we salute you, we are thankful for your sacrifice to God and country. God bless all of you. God bless America and keep America safe.”

“Top cop” Turcotte said how proud he was to be chief of a city filled with such great people.

“It doesn’t matter our differences, Citrus Heights will band together, roll up their sleeves and get the job done no matter what the issue,” Turcotte said. “This happens from partnering alongside first responders, elected officials, and our area neighborhoods. This has a lot to do with natural tendency of our veterans inside of our community.” 

“It takes a lot of fortitude for somebody to stand up and say, ‘I will defend the Constitution. I will defend the rights of my neighbors and my brothers and sisters.’  You are an example to the rest of the community of what a real American looks like,” Turcotte added.

If there was a Veterans Dictionary, Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa said one of the words, duty, means ‘a moral obligation.’  ‘Duty’ stays put even through adversity. It doesn’t disappear. It eliminates ‘self’ thus the motto, “Service before Self.”  Honor, acting and living the values of respect, loyalty, selfless service, integrity and personal courage and to do everything well. Finally, ‘integrity’ means to do what is right and honest and live and act by your principles.

Supervisor Sue Frost gives one of her final speeches before she moves to Arkansas. Photo by Elise Spleiss

Recently, City Council unanimously voted to support bringing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall That Heals to Citrus Heights. The city became a partner.

During public comment, Karpinski-Costa said she felt something special was happening.

“We would be welcoming veterans from everywhere to come to our city, and with us to give tribute to the fallen in Vietnam. All these exemplify duty, honor and integrity,” Karpinski-Costa said.

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Deborah Bartlett, Second Vice Regent announced that the United States Quincentennial Commission has been established by Congress “to inspire all Americans to participate in our greatest milestone ever, the 250th anniversary of the United States.”

The commission has been charged with orchestrating “the largest and most inclusive anniversary observance in our nation’s history. On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence.”

The Daughters of the American Revolution has been named an ‘America 250 National Partner’ with the US Quincentennial Commission Foundation. There will be more information ongoing.

Bartlett thanked Sue Frost, also a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, for her service to the veteran community and for her service to the Daughters of the American Revolution in introducing their chapter to American Legion Post 637 in order to be of more service to veterans.