Redwood City held its annual Veterans Day celebration on Tuesday. Veterans, community members, and families came together to celebrate and commemorate those who have served or are currently serving in the military with free concession stands, festive music, car shows, and other exhibitions.
“I have an obligation for the people that got hurt and the people that got killed to have a good Veterans Day, not for myself, for them, because they can’t have this day,” retired Marine Richard Barella said.
The ceremony started with a lively music performance of patriotic songs played by a youth orchestra. Donuts and coffee were provided as a warm breakfast. Additionally, in the afternoon, hot dogs were also offered with an assortment of condiments.
Youth orchestra performs a song.
The crowd was greeted with a solemn and sincere Pledge of Allegiance, and a representative then sang the National Anthem to kick off the commemoration. Army officials gave speeches honoring the veterans who have served or are currently serving have served.
“It’s good to see the military is more accepted by the people now,” Tom Weisburg, California National Coast Guard veteran, said. “I’ve been here for the past five years, and every year this festival gets bigger and bigger.”
Many booths run by veterans and other volunteers raised awareness for veterans and the benefits available they can have, including pensions, health care, and home loan assistance. Other booths promoted joining the military, highlighting its various pathways to serving the nation and opportunities in higher education.
Several retired veterans gave a demonstration on how a military truck operates works, showcasing its intricate machinery. They drew in a crowd of locals, interested in the mechanism.
“A lot of places you will actually have to go and serve for a year in the military, but not in the United States. In the United States, it’s completely voluntary,” former Marine Corps Eduardo Kiergson said. “The reason it’s voluntary is because we’ve had enough people that, of their own volition, have volunteered to serve in the military that they haven’t had to institute some sort of mandatory draft.”
“I loved the festivities today. I think it was a real good event. It was a lot of fun,” Barella said. The Veterans Day celebration helped commemorate and honor veterans’ contributions for the U.S., recognizing those who have served and are currently serving in the military.
