Veterans Honored In Lake Havasu City

A birthday party for the U.S. Marine Corps kicked off the Veterans Day weekend in Lake Havasu City.

The Lake Havasu City Marine Corps League hosted the Marine Corps Ball celebrating the 243^rd birthday of the Corps.

The ball at the London Bridge Resort Convention Center featured a dinner, live music and speeches honoring Marines and other veterans Saturday evening.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The Veterans Day Parade stepped off Sunday morning, making its way down McCulloch Boulevard, culminating in a ceremony honoring all veterans at Wheeler Park.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Despite high winds in the area, the parade and following ceremony paid tribute to those who have served and to those who paid the ultimate price in service of the United States.

Originally called Armistice Day, is observed on Nov. 11 annually.

Major hostilities of World War I ended on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month of 1918. The first Armistice Day was celebrated in 1919. On May 13, 1938, a Congressional Act was approved, declaring Nov. 11 a national holiday.

Following is an album of weekend memories.

The oldest Marine, Gene Burns, and youngest Marine, Chris Gall , are honored at the Marine Corps Ball with a cake cutting ceremony. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene