Preparations for Veterans Day Ceremony underway in Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA, Calif - The Santa Barbara Cemetery’s driveway is already decorated with dozens of american flags, ahead of this year's Veterans Day Ceremony.
“It’s extremely important for the patriotism of this country and the fact, for the people who served," said founding director John Blankenship of Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1649 and the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation are welcoming the community to celebrate those who served our country.
This year’s keynote speaker will be U.S. Army Veteran Brooks Firestone, a local businessman and former politician.
"This is a great day to honor those who have served in combat and those of us who have not serve in combat, but have been in the armed forces," said Firestone.
In addition to celebrating the service of all U.S. military veterans, Firestone believes this is a chance for the community to reflect.
"Very much this is a community support of the veterans to show things and appreciation and stand here and just think about what the service means," said Firestone.
Organizers of this years center’s day ceremony are projecting over 1,000 community members to share in the celebration.
"My service meant a lot to me and it means a great deal when the community turns out and says thank you we remember you," said Firestone.
"Not only do we have all of us that are no longer served, but we have the rotc kids that are getting their commission and they are the future," said Blankenship.
The UCSB Color Guard, Gold Coast Pipe and Drum Band, are among several entertainers who will put on a patriotic show for attendees.
"Here we are in one of the most beautiful place on the planet, and we’re honoring people who have served and defended this country," said Blankenship.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1649 and Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation is welcoming the community to this year’s Veterans Day Ceremony, 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11 at the Santa Barbara Cemetery at 901 Channel Drive.
The open air ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. with presentations and performances by the UCSB Color Guard, Gold Coast Pipe & Drum Band, David Gonzales, the Santa Barbara Choral Society, and The Prime Time Band.
The ceremony will conclude with a flyover by the Condor Squadron.
This year’s keynote speaker will be U.S. Army veteran Brooks Firestone, former county supervisor, state assemblyman, and local businessman.
The guest speaker will be Lt. Col. Tim Downing, department chair of the UC Santa Barbara Army ROTC Surfrider Battalion.
The cemetery’s driveway is already decorated with dozens of American flags, along with flags marking the graves of our citizens who gave their lives in the service of the country.
A national holiday, Veterans Day, celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.
It was originally known as Armistice Day in the U.S. and coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I.
This event honors the dedication, service, and bravery of local men and women who served in the four branches of the U.S. armed forces.
For more about the ceremony, visit https://www.pcvf.org/veterans-day-ceremony.
For more about the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation, visit www.pcvf.org or call 805-259-4394.
