MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- There are different days of the year dedicated to the celebration of key individuals and historical events, such as Martin Luther King Jr., the Fourth of July for our independence and the one most recently celebrated, Veterans Day.
Veterans Day was dedicated to honor those who served our country and protected the rights and freedoms of the American people. On Nov. 11, the Combat Center Band and color guard participated in the Yucca Valley Veterans Tribute Parade.
“The Veterans Day parade made me feel really good about being a Marine,” said Lance Cpl. Brandon Dion, legal administration clerk. “As a part of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center color guard, passing by the veterans and civilians, and hearing them express their thanks and love for the Marine Corps made me proud to be part of this brotherhood.”
Veterans Day, which was originally called Armistice Day, marked the end of World War I, on Nov. 11, 1918. In November of 1919, President Woodrow Wilson made his Armistice Day Proclamation:
“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace in justice in the councils of the nation.”
While active duty military members, veterans and civilians celebrated Veterans Day all over the country, Marines from the Combat Center got a chance to celebrate it at the parade with local veterans and fellow Marines.
“To be a Marine in the color guard gives me a sense of honor and pride,” said Lance Cpl. William Mitchell, personnel clerk. “It’s an honor to carry and represent our nation’s colors, and what they represent, and to honor those who fought and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”
To some, Veterans Day may be another parade and day off, while to others, it holds a deeper meaning and carries a value not easily expressed.
“Veterans Day, to me, means the sacrifice of previous individuals to lessen the sacrifices of our present generation,” said Lance Cpl. Jeremy R. Perez, customer service clerk.
Another Veterans Day has passed, this time with more heroes added to the ranks. While celebrating the actions of those before us, it is also a chance to reflect on those serving now and those who have given their lives for the freedom of the American people.