Community Corner
Pasadena Celebrates Area Veterans
Sheriff Lee Baca and many other distinguished veterans were celebrated at the event.
Area residents and families gathered in front of Centennial Square in Pasadena, Nov. 11, to honor those who served in the nation's military.
The Annual Veterans Day Ceremony featured many distinguished guests, including Sheriff Lee Baca, former assemblyman Anthony Portantino, President/Superintendent of Pasadena City College Mark Rocha, Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez and Pasadena Fire Chief Calvin Wells.
Veterans from all branches of the military and from area cities, such as Sierra Madre, Arcadia and Pasadena, were also guests at the ceremony.
The Pasadena City College Pep Band performed military themes for each branch of the military while veterans were honored during the performances.
The Pasadena Firefighters Association Local 809 was on hand, grilling 500 hot dogs for guests, while the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 446 from Pasadena provided dessert.
"Our nation is what it is today--right from the beginning--because of the men and women who took up arms," said Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca.
Pasadena Mayor and Air Force veteran Bill Bogaard spoke of his high praise for the men and women of Pasadena who have served in the nation's military over the generations.
"The history of the United States is rich with the names and deeds of Pasadena residents who have sacrificed to assure our freedom," Bogarrd said. "It is clear that a special place is held in the hearts of all who are here today for our veterans; brave men and women who have fought for something greater than themselves."
The event also emphasized young veterans trying reenter civilian life and seek an education. Bill Thomson, Pasadena City College trustee, mentioned the college's veterans program, which he said is home to more than 800 veterans.
PCC's veterans program is also ranked 2nd in the nation, Thomson said.
A.J. Glasgow, Navy veteran and president of the PCC Veterans Club had high praise for the faculty and fellow student veterans that helped him settle back into civilian life after serving overseas.
Harold Martin, PCC professor and Veteran's Club advisor, spoke on what it means to be a hero.
"I don't think I've ever met a veteran who would think of him, or herself as a hero. That's because our heroes are the brothers and sisters confined to hospitals, confined to cemeteries. We don't think about the brave, or selfless acts we may have performed. More likely we think about what we should have done," Martin said. "This is a tribute to our community's youngest veterans. It's a tribute to what Pasadena City College does for them."
