Hurrah to veterans
Hundreds of visitors came to commemorate all the Veterans of all wars at the momentous Veterans Day Ceremony, on Thursday, Nov. 11.
This annual event was presented in Eisenhower Park, by the American Legion Post 857, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4048, both based in Seal Beach.
Excellent and appropriate pre-program entertainment was offered by Eddie Montana, Rob Roy and Sara Spear. The program was introduced by Erik Dreyer Goldman, president of the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce at precisely 11 a.m., on the 11th day, of the 11th month. This conforms with the date and time of the signing of the Armistice in 1918, to end World War I.
Erik acknowledged the presence of local dignitaries, and went on to introduce the Master of Ceremonies, American Legion Post Commander, Beverly Bonney.
Cmdr. Bonney, in turn, requested the Post members to walk in.
With everyone standing, the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Color Guard marched into position. Sr. Vice Cmdr. Jim Crowley led the audience in reciting “The Pledge of Allegiance.”
“The National Anthem” was sung by “The Dynamix,” This 12 student choir was part of the Los Alamitos High School group that performed and won five national awards in the Grand Ol’ Opry Contest in Nashville, Tennessee, (just before their big storm and flood.)
Pastor Don Shoemaker of the Grace Community Church offered the Invocation.
Cmdr. Bonney and VFW Cmdr. Ed Bond carried forward the Memorial Wreath, took one step back, and performed a “Slow Salute” in memory of ALL Veterans.
Rob Roy played the 24 unforgettable notes of “Taps” on his harmonica.
VFW Chaplain Bib Coronado told the story of Poppies and recited the poem, “In Flanders Field.”
Pastor Don Shoemaker led the singing of two patriotic songs.
Brief speeches were offered by VFW Cmdr. Ed Bond, and Ladies Auxiliary presidents Chris Schmaltz, and Georgia Crowley.
Guest Speaker Shoemaker in his wonderful oration style, spoke of the great sacrifices in all wars.
Congressman Dana Rohrabacher gave an interesting and invigorating talk about the wars our country is involved in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Emcee Bonney, in her closing remarks rendered a great tribute to Past Commander Bill Thomas for his total arrangement of the Veterans Day Program for which he received a standing ovation.
The ceremony ended with Pastor Don’s Benediction, and the “Retirement of the Colors.”
Bill Thomas,
veteran and president of
Seal Beach VFW Post 4840.
Celebrate a vegetarian Thanksgiving
While President Barack Obama is pardoning two turkeys for Thanksgiving, every one of us can exercise that same presidential power by choosing a nonviolent Thanksgiving observance. It shows our compassion for an innocent animal and our concern for our family’s health.
It’s a most fitting way to give thanks for our own life, health, and happiness.
The 270 million turkeys killed in the U.S. each year have nothing to give thanks for.
They breathe toxic fumes in crowded sheds.
Their beaks and toes are severed.
At the slaughterhouse, workers cut their throats, and dump them into boiling water, sometimes while still conscious.
Consumers, too, pay a heavy price.
Turkey flesh is laced with cholesterol and saturated fats that elevate the risk of chronic killer diseases. Labels warn of food poisoning potential.
This Thanksgiving, I won’t be calling the Poultry Hot Line, or wondering how that turkey lived and died.
Our Thanksgiving dinner may include a “tofurky,” lentil roast, mashed potatoes, corn stuffing, stuffed squash, chestnut soup, candied yams, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and carrot cake.
An Internet search on vegan Thanksgiving and a visit to my local supermarket will provide me more recipes and delicious turkey alternatives than I can possibly use.
Lewis Frederick
Los Alamitos
