Redding Elks Hosts 98th Annual Veterans Day Cognac Toast

“We are gathered here today, VETERANS DAY, to remember—and recognize—all of the men and women in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, U.S. Merchants Marines and other reserve components who have served….. and continue to serve…..to this very day.”

These were the words of Patrick Carr, who served as a master of ceremonies for the 98th Annual Veterans Cognac Toast event, held on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, at the Redding Elks Lodge, drawing a patriotic crowd of over 200, according to Redding Elks member, Sherry Davis, who directed the recruitment and logistics arrangements for the event.

Carr, himself a captain in the United States Army Reserve (ret.) and a Past Exalted Ruler (PER) of the Redding Elks #1073, explained that the cognac toast event celebrates the 107th anniversary the 1918 Armistice ending World War I and honoring American servicemen and women who served—and are currently serving—in the country’s military services.

“We toast those who served in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, the Mexican Border War, the Spanish American Wat, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Lebanon, Panama, the Balkans, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Syria, Niger and the remainder of the 82 American military actions, including the war against terrorism around the world,” Carr went on to explain.

Adding to the solemnity and reverence to the Cognac Toast event were Redding Elks members, Mike Payne and David Wright, who lead the throng in the singing of the National Anthem, as well as the Anderson VFW Post 1950 honor guard performing the gun salute, followed by the playing of TAPS.

Graduate, Preston Sharp--who’s gained national recognition for launching and leading actions for 10 years, is placing flags and flowers upon departed Veterans graves throughout the nation’s 50 states, including three countries--was recognized and honored. And after the event concluded, the Redding Emblem club, which assists the Redding Elks in serving Shasta County, provided a delicious lunch, which was complimentary to local Veterans who attended.