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Politics & Government

Hundreds Honor Veterans at Mission Viejo Ceremony

Attendees included family and friends of the late Marine Lance Cpl. Jared C. Verbeek, a member of the city's adopted Marine battalion. Verbeek died in Afghanistan in June.

With patriotic songs, a true tale of nerve-wrecking World War II aerial dogfight and a lot of red white and blue, Mission Viejo held its annual Veterans Day celebration Friday.

Hundreds met at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center at 2 p.m. to remember those who served, fought and even died for the United States of America. 

Attendees included members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6024, the mayor and members of the City Council, California State Assembleywoman Diane Harkey,  and family and friends of Lance Corporal Jared C. Verbeek, a member of the city's adopted marine battlion, who died in Afghanistan in June. 

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Ten-year-old Jacob McDonald, who attended with his family, said he was there to encourage the veterans and their families.

“Our marines have died and battled and we just like to salute them and have time to come together," Jacob said. 

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If he could say anything to our veterans today?

"Great job," McDonald said. 

Please click through the photos to learn more about the ceremony. 

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