Patriot Day Celebration Today at Park

For the third year in a row, Rancho Santa Margarita will be commemorating Patriot Day in memory of 9/11 and in celebration of local patriots.

This year will feature a static display of, and tribute to, first responders including the Orange County Sheriff's Department and Orange County Fire Authority.

At 11 a.m., a special flag ceremony by local Boy and Girl Scouts, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion will commence at the event.

The commemorative ceremony will feature the lowering of the flags and a 21-gun salute in honor of the lives lost on 9/11 and the men and women who serve to protect our lives and freedom.

Special recognition will also be given to the City's adopted 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines who will be returning from Afghanistan later this month.