The audience at the Veterans Community Center enjoyed a one-hour concert of patriotic music on Veterans Day by the Ben Ali Shrine Band under the direction of Tonya Whennen.

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Another Veterans Day tradition continued on Nov. 11 as the Veteran’s Community Center family and friends gathered at noon for a one-hour concert. The seats were full, with standing room only available for the much-anticipated concert.

Emcee Mark Glover thanked those who attended and especially the veterans. The noon timing allowed those who attended the Sylvan Cemetery service, including Citrus Heights City Council members and the city manager, to travel two miles down the road to attend the concert despite the rainy weather.

The audience at the Veterans Community Center enjoyed a one-hour concert of patriotic music on Veterans Day by the Ben Ali Shrine Band under the direction of Tonya Whennen.

Director Tonya Whennen led the 30-piece band, beginning with the traditional Armed Forces Medley with veterans standing as their branch anthem was played. One highlight was a dramatic rendition of the theme from the $10,000,000 movie franchise, “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

Another stirring piece was an inspirational composition including short snippets of several military tunes from well-known band composer James Swearingen, including “Lest We Forget.”

The weather brought all 30 members of the band inside, which made for an intimate atmosphere to enjoy the music and camaraderie as veterans were honored and remembered.

The audience at the Veterans Community Center enjoyed a one-hour concert of patriotic music on Veterans Day by the Ben Ali Shrine Band under the direction of Tonya Whennen.

The concert concluded with the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” written by Julia Ward Howe. A large array of homemade desserts, coffee and fellowship finished out the day.

Donations were accepted in support of the work of the Shriners Hospital for Children in Sacramento.