By Lori BODNAR, intern

Recently people have flocked to theaters to watch superheroes fight in imaginary wars. On Saturday, many from our community gathered instead at Crescenta Valley Park to support real heroes and veterans who fought in actual wars to protect the nation’s freedoms and liberties. Over two hundred people gathered for the 4th Annual Armed Forces Day Tribute and Car Show on May 18.

Armed Forces Day was created in 1949, and is celebrated the third Saturday in May, to honor Americans serving in the five U.S. Military branches: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and the Coast Guard. In 1950, President Harry Truman gave a proclamation speech at the first celebration saying, “It is fitting and proper that we devote one day each year to paying tribute to the Armed Forces as the servants and protectors of our Nation … [and a] celebration of the day in such a manner as to honor the Armed Forces of the United States and the millions of veterans who have returned to civilian pursuits. I call upon my fellow citizens to display the flag of the United States at their homes on Armed Forces Day and to participate in exercises expressive of our recognition of the skill, gallantry, and uncompromising devotion to duty characteristic of the Armed Forces in the carrying out of their missions.”

The American Legion Post 288, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1614, Moose Lodge #641, and local fire, police and search and rescue units recognized Armed Forces Day with displays, music, classic cars, military vehicles and a motorcycles provided by the Legion Riders. Mike Baldwin, a member of the American Legion 288, said, “The event recognizes all veterans and military. This is our way of celebrating Armed Forces Day.”

The event started with Crescenta Valley High School Junior ROTC members presenting the colors. Following the pledge, American Legion members who had served in each of the five military branches each held a flag representing their branch of service. When their branch’s song was played during a music medley, they stepped forward with their flag. Veterans or current members of each branch of the military stood in salute for each service flag.

The Pin Up Girls for American Charities oversaw a 50/50 raffle. All of the money raised was dedicated to military and children’s charities. There were also members of the 1974 CVHS class reunion at the event.

A special award was given to Ray Deas, a member of the American Legion, for his 1945 Packard car.

“We combine a hot rods show with the Armed Forces Day tribute,” Deas said. “They do a good thing here for the community.”

Steven Blumenfield and John Eymara, members of the Legion Riders, rode onto the park grounds on their motorcycles to support Armed Forces Day. Legion Riders are part of the American Legion, and they serve by providing an escort for military units to departure airports, or when veterans are returning home from combat tours overseas. The Legion Riders also ride on their motorcycles as a patriot guard to honor fallen military men and women during transport and for military funerals. They also sponsor motorcycle runs to benefit charities that raise money for VA hospitals and youth centers. There are 98 chapters of American Legion riders in California, with around one thousand members.

There were many veterans at the event, including a 96-year old World War II veteran Angelo Chiarot.

“I was a water tender (WT) second class in the U.S. Navy,” recalled Chiarot. “We were in the North Atlantic. Often the seas were rough with waves as tall as trees. I was 18 years old when I started, and I served for five years. I helped the European campaign get its ammunition. I served on the ‘tin can’ destroyer USS Balch [DD-363].”

In addition to veterans, there were also active duty service personnel present, such as the National Guard unit Alpha 1-144FA stationed at Fort Irwin. The unit brought a large military Humvee that could comfortably seat the four guardsmen: Private First Class (PFC) Josh Chavarria, PFC Salvador Huitron, Specialist SPC Dennis Martorell and Specialist SOT Luis Frausto. The modern Humvee was parked next to a 1944 jeep, also used to seat four servicemen in World War II. There were many other military vehicles on display as well as an antique fire engine. There were around 75 classic cars from different eras, including cars from the Early Rodders Club and Outlaw Garage. Attendees voted for their favorite car and there were trophy presentations for the winners, followed by the playing of “Taps” at the close of the event.

The Armed Forces Day Tribute and Car Show brought together veterans, their families and community members to honor “all gave some … some gave all.”

Those who missed Armed Forces Day can thank a vet at one of the local Memorial Day observances on May 27 including at 8 a.m. at Two Strike Park War Memorial, 5107 Rosemont Ave. in La Crescenta, 7:30 a.m. at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Honolulu Avenue and Ocean View Boulevard and at 9 a.m. at Memorial Park in La Cañada. The Memorial Day event at Two Strike is sponsored by American Legion Post 288 and VFW Post 1614, and will include a presentation of colors, presentation of wreaths and flowers, reading of fallen heroes, flag folding ceremony, and walk of honor.