RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - On Nov. 11, Rancho Murieta held its own Veterans Day celebration honoring past and current members of the Armed Services for their service to the country.

Approximately 250 people attended the 10th annual event to enjoy coffee, conversation and a short program. The Rancho Murieta Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary 12215 hosted the gathering at the RMA Building.

The celebration began outside, where dozens of children, adults and Scouts lined the walkway, waving small American flags and cheering as they thanked veterans for their service. Veteran Angelo Lutz hadn’t expected such a large turnout.

“It was really something,” he said.

Inside, veterans gathered at decorated tables to sip coffee, enjoy donuts and, most importantly, share military experiences with fellow veterans, family and friends.

The focus on honoring veterans was woven through every part of the event. The decorations included service-branch flags hanging in front of the windows, patriotic centerpieces at each table and an embellished table filled with donated coffee and pastries.

Each veteran received raffle tickets for an array of prizes donated by local businesses and for baskets assembled by the Auxiliary.

The Auxiliary added a blast from the past with a slide show featuring photos furnished by veterans and their families. It played on the overhead monitor throughout the event.

“Every picture tells a story,” veteran Trent Pridemore said.

A blast from the present came in the form of hand-drawn cards created by students from Cosumnes River Elementary School and The Ranch Preschool.

Auxiliary member Norma Dawdy organized the event for the second year in a row. She and other members had decorated the RMA meeting room the previous day, setting tables and hanging decorations. They also assembled raffle baskets.

“We have the best group of ladies,” Dawdy said. “There is no way that one person could do it alone.”

Dawdy also expressed appreciation to the local merchants who donated to the raffle and noted that this year’s turnout was much stronger than last year.

Melissa Mineni, president of the Auxiliary, opened the short program.

“This is about fellowship and sharing a cup of coffee and a donut and a heartfelt thank you to the men and women who have served our country,” she said

Mineni then announced the presentation of the flag and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance led by Scout Troop 633. She also introduced VFW Post member Jenny Roland, who sang the national anthem, and Auxiliary Chaplain Norma Dawdy, who recited a prayer.

VFW Post Commander Mick Mineni spoke next.

“Today we honor not just those who returned to us but also those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said. “It is our duty to ensure their stories are not forgotten.”

Later in the gathering, after most attendees had left, Mineni asked for a moment of silence at 11:11 a.m. That observance marks the time when, at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918, the armistice between the Allies and Germany went into effect, ending the fighting on the Western Front in World War I. The date became known as Armistice Day and was later renamed Veterans Day to honor all American veterans.

After stressing the importance of remembering and carrying forward the legacy of those who served before, Mineni paused to control his emotions.

“I lost 42 soldiers who did not come home, so that is important to me,” he said. “You all have similar stories, so please join me in a moment of silence.”

The Rancho Murieta Caregivers Support Group originated the “Been There, Done That Café” to celebrate Veterans Day 10 years ago. JoAnn Young, whose late father-in-law, Walter Young, was a World War II veteran, first proposed the idea. The original organizing committee also included Nan Parquette, Judy Prenez, Erin Reed and Berniece Jones.

When the VFW Auxiliary took over the event last year, Melissa Mineni said her group was honored to continue the tradition started by the caregiver group. “That is what we are here for: to support the veterans and the community,” she said.