Greetings Everyone - - From the Richest City in the World! (Well it used to be, literally, and so now again, except not in silver and gold, but in history)

It has been a while since I wrote last but it has been a busy time for me. I have taken weekend excursions to many different places, even as far, far WEST as Sacramento. Of course, I had to stop and have lunch at Placerville. What is Virginia City, San Francisco, Sacramento and the Gold Rush of 1859 without Placerville, CA (the old” hangin’ town”)? And so, my many, many friends, 1859 through 1867 was a turbulent time of war and riches and there were quite a few veterans around, then, as there are now.

Since Veterans Day is fast approaching, I thought I would write a little about the unbelievable respect, tribute and honor we give our veterans up here on Sun Mountain (er, excuse me, Mt. Davidson). We have a parade with all different branches of veterans marching down C Street. Then those veterans that are not secure with walking up and down the steep streets and steeper boardwalks drive in the parade in their cars. All proud Americans who have served our country so well - to either bring freedom to other countries or defending our fair shores.

So then, after the parade, what does any red-blooded American want to do? Tell and re-tell war stories; funny stories, not so funny stories, sad ones, bad ones but all want to be heard on this special day. And, by all means, after the sweaty long walk, want to DRINK a pint or two.

Now, where best to go and do all this???? There is only one place in the whole of The Truckee Meadows area where a veteran (or anyone at that) can sit, stand, lean or hang on to someone, drink in hand, cigar clamped solidly in your mouth – Sgt. Major’s Silver Dollar Saloon. There is SGT. MAJOR himself, Brian Staples, the owner of this fine establishment (aka The Shaft), in full Army dress from 1869 (not 2005). And then there is his lovely wife, Brenda, also appropriately attired as his spouse. They are more than happy to chat with you, hear your tales, and if you so choose, twirl the pretty lady to the live music that is playing. By the way, there are absolutely no slot machines in the saloon. Just great company and great drinks (the Sgt. Major is also a fantastic bartender).

The Silver Dollar Saloon (and do not mistake it for the Silver Queen Hotel and Saloon) is easy to find. All you have to do is find the Mandarin Garden Chinese Restaurant and right next to it is a doorway with a sign pointing down. You descend these 21 steps (ergo, the SHAFT) and you come into a fun place for young and old, male and female, veteran or not.

You can also access The Silver Dollar from D Street. Again, next to Mandarin Garden Chinese Restaurant (and don’t forget to read the plaque that describes the original foundation of Julia Bullette’s famous “crib house”), but this time you have to go UP the stairs and onto a back deck. This is the spot when even in the dead of winter, we just sit outside, then run in to warm up on the old stove in the corner.

If you look east from the decks of either Sgt. Major’s Silver Dollar Saloon or Mandarin Gardens, you can almost see Ft. Churchill, the Army Fort protecting Nevada during the Indian wars. If you’re lucky, you may get to hear the story of Ft. Churchill from the Great Grandson of a Ft. Churchill veteran, THE Sgt. Major himself.

There is famous history in every nook and cranny of Virginia City, but you can come in to Sgt. Major’s Silver Dollar Saloon and pass on your own history, for being a veteran, you ARE HISTORY IN THE MAKING.

Looking forward to meeting all the branches of the military on Veteran’s Day and at Sgt. Major’s Silver Dollar Saloon.
‘Til then, my friends, Wave That Flag HIGH AND PROUD!! HUP! HUP! HURRAH TO ALL OUR VETS!

Grace