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Mostly Cloudy Long Beach pays tribute to its veterans
Residents, city officials turn out for ‘emotional’ service
“It’s an observance of Veterans Day to reflect on the veterans from World War I, all the way up until the present,” said Dan MacPhee, commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Long Beach branch, of this year’s Veterans Day observance ceremony.
“It’s something we do every year,” he said. “It’s a big day. Without a doubt, it’s emotional.”
MacPhee was one of more than 100 who turned out to pay tribute to those who have served their country and sacrificed their lives at a Veterans Day observance service at Kennedy Plaza on Nov. 11.
The Joint Veterans Organization of Long Beach, which consists of the American Legion, the AMVETS, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Jewish War Veterans, along with residents and city officials, gathered for the annual event, which began at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony was hosted by Howard Kalachman, past commander of the Long Beach division of the American Legion, and current senior vice commander of the VFW.
Officials on hand included State Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, County Legislator Denise Ford (R-Long Beach), city official Lenny Remo, and councilmen Len Torres and Mike Fagen.
Veterans Day was first celebrated as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919, as a way to remember the end of World War I. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day. In 1953, the celebration was renamed Veterans Day to recognize the sacrifices of all members of U.S. armed forces.
At the salutatory event, residents of different generations came out to honor the thousands of Long Beach citizens who made the ultimate sacrifice during 20th and 21st century wars.
Participants joined together in singing patriotic songs, and listened to the heartfelt speeches by veterans and city officials.
Ford, whose father is a World War II veteran, said that for her, the event is a personal one, and that she was proud to be a part of the service. “We have great love for those who serve. My tone was somber, because I do consider it a somber day,” she explained.“They make the ultimate sacrifice. It’s an important day to remember, but we have to remember our veterans every day. That day, we were all there together for one common cause, and for good reason. I’m glad that we do it.”
