PALMDALE – A crowd of more than 100 veterans and those who came to honor them turned out Friday morning for a Veterans’ Day Recognition Ceremony at the Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Palmdale.
The ceremony began at 11:11 a.m. on 11/11/11 with a pause to remember those who have served and are still serving in the military.
The moment of silence was followed by the Raising of the Colors by Highland High School Air Force JROTC; the Pledge of Allegiance by Boy Scout Troop 335; and the singing of the National Anthem led by Master of Ceremonies Bobby Breech of the Antelope Valley Service Organization Association, which hosted the event.
The theme of the hour-and-a-half long ceremony was recognition and thanks.
“We really have an obligation to take every opportunity to say thank you to our veterans,” said Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford. “We appreciate that sacrifice and what you have done to keep our great nation what it is – great.”
“Every American no matter where they live or what they do reaps the benefits of their service,” said Richard K. Carlson VFW Post 3552 Commander Tom Meisinger.
“We owe an eternal debt of gratitude to them,” said Veteran Daniel Kirmel of the American Legion 348. “And acknowledging Veterans Day is the time that that debt becomes due.”
Others who spoke at the Veteran’s Day Recognition ceremony included Viola Lawrence of the Daughters of the American Revolution; Aaron Chaplin of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 39; Ken Branam, American Legion 348 Commander; and Marion Wallace of the Palmdale Elks Lodge 2027.
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Doc Rivers says
Both Flag day and POW MIA day are held outside of the cemetery and the attendance is poor at best. AVSOA puts on the events not the city.
Mont says
Thanks to all service members.
Mark W says
Expression of thanks to our veterans is great.
However, I’d like to see our city do something different on Veterans Day, other than a Memorial Day re-run at Desert Lawn.
IMO, Memorial Day should focus on those who served and died, and Desert Lawn if a fine venue. However, Veterans Day commemorations could focus more on honoring living veterans. Start by not choosing a venue other than a cemetery.