Events

Veteran’s Dinner

Victorville, Ca.   Each year, near Veteran’s Day, Todd Anton, history teacher at Heritage School in Phelan, has his students plan, prepare and serve a complimentary dinner to the Veteran’s in the area.   Last year, over 250 Veterans were served dinner and shared the camaraderie of not only their fellow veterans, but the admiration of the students who put on the event.  In its fourteenth year, the dinner outgrew the space at Heritage school.  At a loss for a new venue, Mr. Anton was taken back when the owner of Kinari restaurant in Victorville offered to sponsor the dinner, for free.  “It just simply amazes me the continued generosity and demonstrations of patriotism and appreciation for our troops and veterans” said Mr. Anton.  “We have been doing this now for fourteen years, and every year, I am convinced again why we do this.  There is a lot of sentiment and emotion that the Vets share with our kids.  This could not be a better history lesson” explained Mr. Anton.

On November 6th, 2008, Kinari served over 500 veterans, students and guests. The event was simply an opportunity for the children to meet the Veterans and ask questions.  There were no key speakers, no politicians, no long drawn out ceremonies; simply sharing dinner with friends and the students.  Traditionally a Heritage School event, this year’s event was sponsored by all three middle schools in Phelan, Pinion Mesa, Quail and Heritage, and the Don Ferrarese Charitable Foundation.  “Our ambition is to have a high desert event next year and fill the showroom at the fairgrounds” said Mr. Anton.  “A popular motto of World War II was “We are all in this together”, and I believe we are.  Sharing this great event with schools from throughout the Victor Valley was an ideal way to show the Veterans who have offered so much to America, that we appreciate their sacrifices and dedication to principles of freedom that make America so great.