By Charly SHELTON

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. This Veterans Day, more than 20 World War II veterans were honored at the annual memorial ceremony at Two Strike Park, hosted by the American Legion and VFW. Congressman Adam Schiff and Assemblyman Mike Gatto both spoke at the event, sharing stories of their fathers who were both in the service. The WWII vets were seated along the front row and were greeted with handshakes and expressions of thanks by those who welcomed them. They were then recognized individually during the ceremony and were honored with certificates from the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C.

The driving point that veteran and emcee Lynn McGinnis wanted everyone to leave the ceremony with was to talk to a veteran, invite them to open up about their story of the war. Assemblyman Gatto expressed his regret over not asking his father about the war before his passing, and Gatto urged the audience not to wait until it’s too late.

The veterans and many community members attended a dinner and mixer later that night at the American Legion Hall, in celebration of Veterans Day and to get a chance to speak with these men of the Greatest Generation, and thank them for their service.

  Charly Shelton