Departing from the traditional pomp and circumstance of military ceremony, Southwestern College’s Veterans Day celebration was humble, heartwarming and honorable.
Interim Superintendent Denise Whittaker declared Thursday, November 10, 2011 a day of memorial in honor of those served in the United States Armed Forces. Held at Veteran’s Glen, the college community gathered in remembrance of those who serve our country and those that paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
Former Governing Board Trustee Nick Aguilar said he was very honored to be a part of the ceremony and grateful for all who showed up to pay respect to veterans past, old and new.
“I want to thank Southwestern College for supporting the veterans enrolled at the college to transition from the combat environment and combat mentality to a civilian higher education,” he said.
Aguilar said today’s veterans are fighting every day all over the world, exposed to elements not seen in his days in the Vietnam and prior wars. He called it a war with no boundaries, no safety zones and attacks that leave service members dead or maimed for life.
“They will need assistance for the rest of their lives and their families will need assistance also,” he said.
Student Veteran Organization President Shawn Buckingham and former president David Bonafede presented Aguilar with a plaque and shadowbox in recognition of his service to his country and college veterans.
“Sergeant Nick Aguilar, there are not enough plaques, there are not enough shadowboxes or nothing we can say to sum up what you have done for our community, our veterans, the Student Veteran Organization and your service here,” said Buckingham.
Jim Jones, veterans’ services specialist, said it was an honor to have two distinguished guests at the ceremony, Frank Wada and Mas Tsuida. Volunteers of the U.S. Army’s 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Service, Wada and Tsuida were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal as veterans of Japanese descent serving during World War II. Japanese descent soldiers served while more than 120,000 of their family and friends were interned in 10 relocation camps. The 442nd is the most highly-decorated unit in American history for its size and length of service.
“Thank you very much for your uncommon bravery and valor and your loyalty to a nation that initially treated you with mistrust and unfair incarceration,” said Jones.
Aguilar’s comrades from the 82nd Air¬borne Division and Association Color Guard presented the Colors and Joseph Molina, a member of the SWC choir, sang the national anthem. Dr. Terry Russell, conducted the SWC Concert Choir and Chamber Singers as they performed the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Following special messages from Aguilar and Whittaker, Jones laid the wreath on the veterans’ memorial as “Taps” was played by Norman Rains and Mario Eguia.
As the ceremony came to a close, those present placed red carnations next to the ceremonial wreath on the monument, laying them down in memory of those who laid down their lives.
