Gubernatorial candidate John Chiang joins Santa Barbara veterans at Memorial Day luncheon

Gubernatorial Candidate John Chiang spoke to a standing room only group at the Santa Barbara Veterans Memorial building Monday as part of the Memorial Day events throughout the South Coast.

Chaing joined local dignitaries and religious leaders to remember those who fought and died for U.S. freedoms.

“I come before you with a grateful and solemn heart,” said Chiang. In thanking those who served our country he said they went to battle, “to give us the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.”

The room was full of veterans and those in need of a hot meal on the holiday. He spoke of the “full measure of devotion to give everything they have to give us the present that we share today and the future that we will enjoy. To make sure that we invest in the next generation,” said Chiang. “We need to come together as an American family and understand the extraordinary sacrifices.”

The visit to Santa Barbara was part of several stops in the greater Los Angeles area Monday.

Chiang was joined by Rep. Salud Carbajal (D- 24rd District), Assemblymember Monique Limon (D-37th District), Santa Barbara County Supervisor Das Williams, and Santa Barbara Mayor Cathy Murrillo.

Religious messages were spoken by Reverand Frank Schaefer and Yamah Niazi.

The lunch provided afterward was prepared by the Organic Soup Kitchen and plates of chicken, salad, and chili beans were served along with McConnell’s ice cream.

Chiang and City Councilwoman Kristin Sneddon were among those serving the guests.

The event was presented by the Veterans Coordinating Council with Bob Handy and Peter Haslund hosting.