Local residents, leaders, veterans and their families gathered for a Veterans Day ceremony Monday at the Santa Barbara Cemetery to pay their respects to all of those who have served in the U.S. military.
The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation hosted its annual Veterans Day ceremony. It included remarks from local veterans, a wreath ceremony, and musical performances from the Prime Time Band, the Gold Coast Pipe Band and the Santa Barbara Choral Society.
“Whether in times of conflict or peace, veterans have answered the call to defend our country, and their sacrifices are immeasurable,” retired Lt. Col. Pablo Paredes said. “Today’s celebration expresses our deepest gratitude and respect for your unwavering commitment to our nation’s safety and values.”
During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Tim Downing, commander of the UC Santa Barbara Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Program, introduced graduating seniors who are in the program.
“These commissioning officers are our future, so that’s why we want you to see them and realize how special they are,” Lt. John Blankenship said. “They will lead us for the next 20 to 30 years, so that’s why they’re very special.”
Veterans from World War II to Afghanistan were recognized during Monday’s ceremony, but special recognition was given to former Marine Donald Seth, a longtime Santa Barbara resident and World War II veteran who turned 97 a few weeks ago. The Santa Barbara Choral Society sang the merchant marine song in his honor.
The Santa Barbara Choral Society also sang “The Gift to Be Free,” “Tribute to the Armed Forces,” “America the Beautiful” and “Two Brothers.”
The Prime Time Band, directed by Dr. Paul Mori, performed “Appalachian Air,” “Danny Boy,” “Semper Fidelis” and “St. Louis Blues.”
Brooks Firestone, a former California Assemblyman and Santa Barbara County supervisor, delivered the keynote speech. Firestone is a veteran, having served for two years in the U.S. Army and as an aide to the secretary of the Army.
He also is part of the Santa Barbara Choral Society.
“We’ve done this for a number of years. I’ve been proud to be here, to be part of this occasion, and to sing for those who have served and those who’ve gone before is an honor,” Firestone said. “It’s the high point of our season.”
He spoke about the meaning of service and shared a few memories of meeting former presidents such as Ronald Reagan and Dwight Eisenhower.
Firestone encouraged the crowd to think about the future and prepare for whatever may be coming.
“Things happen, and some of them are not so good,” Firestone said. “I implore everyone here to think about these things. Everyone do your part to be prepared, intellectually, morally, to know who we are, what we stand for. It’s so important.”
For Richard Jacobson and his wife, Elaine, Veterans Day can be a somber day as Richard Jacobson reflects on his time as a Vietnam veteran. Monday marked his first time at the annual ceremony, but he said it definitely won’t be his last.
“I’m going to make this an annual tradition,” he said. “As long as I live, I’m coming back here to the Santa Barbara Cemetery, to this celebration here.”
Richard Jacobson said Veterans Day is a day to celebrate living veterans but also to remember those who didn’t make it home.
“It’s a special day for me, because I’m here to celebrate, and it’s a time for me to remember the seven people in my squadron that were my squadron mates, and they were friends,” he said. “I had flown with them. I wasn’t with them on the flight that they lost their lives, so it’s nice to honor them and honor the living veterans as well.”
Elaine Jacobson said she enjoyed the music throughout the ceremony and being able to honor those who served.
“The music particularly was very lively, and it encouraged us all,” she said. “It was wonderful to be able to put our hands on our hearts and be proud Americans in a world which is less enthusiastic about that kind of loyalty.”
