Jake Hinton • November 13, 2025

Veterans Day Ceremony 2025

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Veterans Day Ceremony Honors Service and Sacrifice

The Borrego Springs Veterans Day Ceremony took place at Christmas Circle on November 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., hosted by American Legion Post 853 in collaboration with the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) and Sons of the American Legion (SAL).


The program opened with the National Anthem performed by Judy Taylor, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by John Peterson, a Vietnam veteran and Gold Star family member. Fr. Michael Plekon of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church offered the Invocation, and Post Commander Dale Jones extended a formal welcome.


Participants included local leaders and organizations: Gina Moran of the Borrego Water District led the Walk of Honor, and ALA member Marjorie Schuessler distributed remembrance poppies. Girl Scout Troop 8171 co-leader Christina Portilla read the poem We Owe Them a Lot, and Vietnam veteran Sue Bosworth recited In Flanders Fields. American Legion Auxiliary Past President Rosa Sanchez delivered the Auxiliary address.


The Veterans Day Address was given by Fr. Michael Plekon, assistant priest at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church and co-chair of the Borrego Ministers Association, who shared the story of his father, Henry (Hrihori) Plekon, a World War II Army Engineer who landed in the first wave at Omaha Beach on D-Day and later received both the Purple Heart and Silver Star.


Music throughout the ceremony was performed by Judy Taylor, and the service concluded with a Benediction by Fr. David Madsen of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, followed by a rifle salute from Post 853’s rifle team led by Paul Schuessler, and Taps played by Chris Pedersen.


After the ceremony, the community gathered at Post 853 for lunch, prepared by the Legion Family kitchen and volunteer teams. Donations from the event support veteran and local programs through The American Legion Post 853.






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