The Veterans Day observance included program of patriotic music and popular favorites performed by the all-volunteer Ben Ali Shriner Band which has been performing in the Sacramento region for more than 40 years.

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The Citrus Heights Veterans Community Center presented its annual “Salute to Veterans” luncheon concert and flag retirement ceremony on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11.

This year marked the first Veterans Day observance at the historic center at 6921 Sylvan Road without co-founder Jeanne Rounsavell, who died on her birthday on Aug. 10 at age 86.

Rounsavell helped found the nonprofit Veterans Community Center in 2013 with her late husband, Jim Rounsavell, with the goal of creating a place where all veterans could feel welcome and supported. Jim Rounsavell died in 2021.

Volunteers from the Sunrise Christian Food Ministry in Citrus Heights served a lunch of hot dogs, chili, apple pie and other desserts to a substantial crowd who gathered on the center grounds.

Since its establishment in 2013, the Veterans Community Center in Citrus Heights continues to serve veterans through multiple lunches, karaoke nights, free concerts, veteran’s workshops and much more, drawing together a community that continues to become an ever-growing family.

This year’s Veteran’s Day observance also provided a special moment to honor, celebrate and remember the lasting legacy of Jeanne Rounsavell whom many fondly called “Mom,” pausing to remember her warmth, dedication and kindness. 

The Veterans Day observance included a program of patriotic music and popular favorites performed by the all-volunteer Ben Ali Shriner Band which has performed in the Sacramento region for more than 40 years.

Guests were invited later in the afternoon to participate in the flag retirement ceremony in honor or memory of a veteran.

The Veterans Community Center was originally built in 1862 as a schoolhouse and was called Sylvan School. Years later, it became a central meeting place for the community and served as its community center for more than 40 years. 

Acquired by the couple in 2013, the center, which has yellow paint and a rooftop cupola acknowledging the schoolhouse it once was, has become a place for veterans of all military branches in the community to gather among their peers.

Inside the Veterans Community Center, surrounded by reminders of the building’s rich history and current purpose, Jeanne Rounsavell’s framed portrait looks over the top of a well-played piano.

The center serves up to 150 veterans each month by providing meals twice a week. In addition, veterans and their guests are welcome to use the center's recreational amenities and educational resources during weekday hours, said facilities manager Vince Robles.

Inside the center, surrounded by reminders of the building’s rich history and current purpose, Jeanne Rounsavell’s framed portrait looks over the top of a well-played piano.

Since its establishment in 2013, the Veterans Community Center in Citrus Heights continues to serve veterans through multiple lunches, karaoke nights, free concerts, veteran’s workshops and much more, drawing together a community that continues to become an ever-growing family.

The Veterans Community Center also provides a "Safe Room" center for all military veterans, particularly seniors, disabled and those who suffer with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), providing emotional and physiological benefits through socialization, activity, counseling and recreational therapies.  

An outdoor lunch was served at the annual Veterans Day observance.

The center is secured by the Veterans Golf Park for Disabled Vets, a nonprofit corporation (number 3412764), continuing to carry forward the vision of Jim and Jeanne Rounsavell, who were veterans.

Voluntary donations to support the center’s programs and activities are always welcome, Robles said.

The Veterans Community Center is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Brunch and lunch alternate on Wednesdays. The center serves lunch to veterans on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a suggested donation from 11 to 11:30 a.m. The center will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

For a complete full list of weekly and monthly activities during November, visit online veteranscommunitycenterch.com or email [email protected].

A photograph of Jeanne and Jim Rounsavell, the nonprofit Veterans Community Center founders, is displayed on community center wall.