Free Food, Drinks and Sports Saturday for Veterans in Mission Viejo

From the bright lights and challenging rides at Knott's Berry Farm to the quiet symbolism of San Clemente's Park Semper Fi, Orange County is prepared to honor its veterans this weekend.

In Mission Viejo, Saturday is Military Appreciation Day at the nation's first wheelchair tennis championship at the Marguerite Tennis Pavilion, 27474 Casta Del Sol.

Free admission for veterans is part of the day, and so is a complimentary tennis clinic for any wounded veterans. The clinic is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and includes free food and drink vouchers.

Mission Viejo will also recognize Pat Rizco and Yvonne Carson as its male and female Veterans of the Year during the annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday. The ceremony takes place at 2 p.m. in Veterans Plaza outside the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center.

Here's Patch's list of other Veterans Day weekend events:

Irvine – The public is invited to a Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park. The ceremony will honor and thank America’s veterans for their commitment to service and sacrifice for our country. 

Knotts Berry Farm – The amusement park in Buena Park recognizes veterans and currently serving military personally with free admission plus discounts on additional tickets through Nov. 27.

San Clemente – Members of the community and veterans and their families are invited to commemorate Veterans Day at noon Saturday at the Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi located in the Pier Bowl.

Laguna Niguel – This city will honor veterans at an 11 a.m. ceremony Monday at City Hall.

Finally, OC Parks will offer free parking to veterans, reservists and active duty personnel on Monday at nine regional parks.