On Veterans Day 2015 in Berkeley, people gathered to remember city residents who died during the Vietnam War. Between 1968 to 1975, Veterans Day moved around the calendar, sometimes appearing on the last Monday of October. “They’re the reason we live in a free country and get to enjoy all our freedoms as Americans every day and they pay it forward for us”, said Lt. Col. Patrick Disney, 325th Brigade Support Battalion Commander, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. Both holidays were established to recognize and honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces.
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Sutton, who retired in 1970, two years after his nephew gave his life, said the day is important to acknowledge the brotherhood of all those who served.
Deployed to Iraq in 2005 as an army scout, he spoke about the welcome veterans had back in World War II and Vietnam compared to today’s military.
“Jackson quote President John F. Kennedy, “‘As we express our gratitude we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them'”.
Former San Diego Mayor Pete Wilson, the ex-California governor and a US senator who served in the Marine Corps, introduced Vargas and called him a hero.
Stuart “Stu” Taube, of American Legion Post 325 was honored as Veteran of the Year; and American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24 Sons auxiliary member James “Jim” Brown was honored as Auxiliary Member of the Year. The goal for the meetings was to make plans to honor all Korean War veterans in Carter County on the 50th anniversary of the war’s start. The cemetery is located in Arlington, Va., just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. Ceremonies take place at the Tomb of the Unknowns, which represents the courageous missing and unknown service members of four different wars. The San Fernando Valley native said the holiday is a proud day for her and her family.
47 ABC spoke with a few local veterans who told us what Veterans Day means to them.
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The event in Salina on Wednesday included the an origanal patriotic poem written and recited by Salinan Norma Linenberger, the National Anthem, echoing taps “Taps” played on trumpets, “Amazing Grace” played on bagpipes, and a 21 gun salute followed by a moment of silence.
