Citrus College expanded the veterans celebration to an entire week in November designated as “Veterans Week.”
Citrus hosted the 13th annual Saluting Our Veterans ceremony on Nov. 8 at the Campus Center mall, where veterans from all branches of the United States military were applauded and honored.
Among the co-sponsors of the event were City of Glendora, City of Azusa and Azusa Pacific University.
The Citrus College Board of Trustees, elected officials, community leaders and Associated Students of Citrus College also participated and contributed to the event.
Citrus Superintendent/President Geraldine Perri started her speech asking for a moment of silence for the shooting in Thousand Oaks in the early morning of Nov. 7.
“We see in it (the tragedy) those who, like our veterans, are courageous and heroic,” Perri said.
Perri said the Veterans Center at Citrus has grown significantly, serving more than 500 veterans annually. Fifty-six student veterans graduated from Citrus in 2018.
“We also see how important and critical it is to care for our veterans and to provide them with the support services they need to ensure their successful transition back into the civilian life,” Perri said.
Soldiers performed a 21-gun salute, played taps and folded the American flag, all as part of the ceremonial military tribute.
Performing Arts band Blue Note Orchestra played jazz music before the ceremony began.
Honor Guard of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Nael Foster and sergeant of the U.S. Marine Corps John Chovan participated in the military tribute.
“We are here to honor veterans… that have passed and haven’t received honors,” Foster said.
Blason Taon, associate director of military and veteran services at Azusa Pacific University, came to support “our fellow community” and to recruit student veterans to transfer to APU.
Army recruiters from the U.S. Army Recruiting Station in Azusa also came to recruit students.
Vice President of the Veterans Network club and business major Dustin Glover said he came to offer support to the veterans.
“We’re here to have a good time and celebrate their services and sacrifices,” and to “remember those who are no longer with us as well,” Glover said.
