SOLANA BEACH ---- In a ceremony that began with the presentation of colors by a local Boy Scouts troop and ended with the release of doves symbolizing peace, about 130 people gathered Saturday in La Colonia Park to honor U.S. veterans.
Hosted by the city and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5431, the event was one of many Veterans Day services throughout the country to acknowledge men and women, past and present, who have served the nation's military forces. Veterans representing all branches of the military attended the service, set around the Solana Beach Veterans Memorial.
The National Anthem and a medley of military music was performed by the Santa Fe Christian School band, and speakers included U.S. Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, Solana Beach Mayor Joe Kellejian and VFW Post Commander Randy Treadway.
"Today we honor and salute all American veterans who have put their lives on the line for our freedom," said Treadway. "American veterans represent all races and ethnic groups. They are men and women ... some are famous, but most are just ordinary citizens who answered the call to duty when it came and left the comfort of their homes and families to fight for our country. ... We appreciate your sacrifices."
A former Navy fighter pilot and "Top Gun" instructor, Cunningham received numerous decorations during his 20-year military career. Re-elected Tuesday to the 51st Congressional District, Cunningham said he would continue his fight in Washington to strengthen eroding health care benefits for disabled veterans and their families.
"We're going to change that in a bipartisan way to make sure they are restored," he said. "Whether it's Al Gore or Governor Bush (as the next president), I hope you can get the same benefits that members of Congress do."
Cunningham motioned to a youth soccer game in the field behind him. "The kids' noise doesn't bother me," he said. "That's why we fought."
But he said that Veterans Day has been downplayed in recent years.
"It's sad today that it's mostly vets who show up. ... We need to let our children know about the sacrifices made and what they mean," he said.
"I am very disturbed about the apathy today toward American patriotism," said retired Air Force Lt. Col. Charles Moss, who was shot down over Germany during World War II and spent 13 months as a prisoner of war. "When Pearl Harbor started on Sunday, I went to flight school on Monday. But it's disturbing now to see the lack of interest in the future of America."
The North Country Times is the local fishwrap for Solana Beach. Send email to the editor at: editor@nctimes.com