Vietnam veteran and retired Manteca Police Chief Dave Bricker is the keynote speaker for Monday’s Veterans Day ceremonies taking place at Library Park at 11 a.m.

The traditional program is being followed at 1:30 p.m. with the dedication of the first of five murals honoring Manteca  veterans on the side of the Manteca Bedquarters building at Main Street and Yosemite Avenue. The first mural honors those who have served in the Global War on Terror.

Also, Manteca Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Debby Moorhead indicated the business group has cancelled Flags Over Manteca on Monday due to the forecast calling for a chance of rain. The cancellation reflects a chamber policy not to create a situation where wet flags could mildew and be ruined after they are removed and stored.

Bricker is a life-long resident of the Lathrop-Manteca area. The East Union High graduate started his law enforcement career at age 15 as a member of the Manteca Police Department Cadet Corps. Bricker enlisted at 17 in the Air Force. He was trained as both a combat rescue operator and a security police officer. He served in Southeast Asia and Europe before his discharge after five years.

Upon his return in 1977 Bricker became a deputy sheriff. Two years later he was hired by Manteca Police.

He retired as police chief in 2011 after 35 years as a peace officer.

Bricker often says he has three great passions in life: his family, his country, and his cops.

The program is being organized by Veterans of Foreign Wars 6311 Post Commander Carlon Perry and Ladies Auxiliary President Veronica Reyes in conjunction with McFall-Grisham American Legion Post 249 Commander Jim Winston and Ladies Auxiliary President Beverly Villines.

The Manteca Unified School District JROTC Honor Guard will post the colors. Miss Winter Fest 2013 Robyn Glover will sing the national anthem.