‘Greatest Generation’ WWII vets to be lauded at Veterans Day Observance
November 05, 2008
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
World War II era members of Mercer-Prieto VFW Post 2043 will be accorded special honors during the annual Veterans Day Observance, to be held November 11 at Veterans Memorial Park.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesWorld War II era members of Mercer-Prieto VFW Post 2043 will be accorded special honors during the annual Veterans Day Observance, to be held November 11 at Veterans Memorial Park. The observance will mark the 90th anniversary of the end of World War I, known as the “War to end all wars.”Post Quartermaster Richard Ruiz said each of those who served in World War II and are of that “Greatest Generation” will receive a Certificate of Recognition in honor of their military service in the armed forces, as well as for their “continuous membership in the Mercer-Prieto Veterans of Foreign War Post 2043. It will be an honor to present them with this recognition” signed by Post Commander Gerald V. Olivas and Ruiz.The program will start at 10:30 a.m. with patriotic tunes from the Santa Paula High School Band, directed by Douglas Kandansky. Commander Olivas will offer a history of Veterans Day - formerly known as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I in 1918 on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour. The SPHS Band will perform the “Star Spangled Banner,” and the Isbell Middle School Condor Chorus - under the direction of Donna Nelson - will sing patriotic songs.
Following Don McMillan, the event guest speaker, the Memorial Ceremony will be conducted with a Roll Call of the names of all those Santa Paulans who lost their lives in duty to country - listed on the Veterans Memorial - which will be answered by a VFW member calling “Here!” Wreaths will be placed by Commander Olivas at the Veterans Memorial, and at the Korean War Veterans Memorial by Commander David Lopez of the Korean War Veterans-Ventura County Chapter 56, followed by a prayer offered by Post Chaplain John W. Bailey.A Rifle Squad Salute by VFW and KWVA members will be followed by the poignant “Taps,” played by Rudy Arellano, and then the World War II Veterans Recognition Ceremony will be conducted. After more patriotic music and songs by the SPHS Band and Condor Chorus, a reception will be held hosted by Soroptimist International of Santa Paula, overseen by President Barbara Kroon.Veterans Memorial Park is located across from City Hall, 970 E. Ventura Street.