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A man pays his respects Tuesday at one of the graves at the Santa Maria Cemetery. A Veterans Day ceremony at the cemetery was one of many that took place across the Central Coast//Ian Gonzaga/Staff
The strong bond and mutual appreciation among military veterans was evident Tuesday at Central Coast events recognizing Veterans Day.
Following a service at the Santa Maria Cemetery organized by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post (VFW) 2521, Santa Marian Anthony Potts talked to Daniel Cadena about their military experiences.
In October, Potts completed four years in the Marines, a stint that included two tours of duty in Iraq. Cadena, a Santa Maria resident, served in the Marine Corps from 1974 to 1979.
The men just met each other, yet they expressed admiration for the work each has done for his country.
“They give up their lives because that's the right thing to do,” said Cadena of young military members such as Potts.
The spirit of appreciation was laced throughout the ceremony at the Santa Maria Cemetery. During the ceremony, Michael Stadnick Jr., commander of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 82, individually recognized veterans of each war going back to World War II, as well as those who currently serve in the armed forces.
Staff Sgt. Lindsey Brenden, who is stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base, paid tribute to the “men and women who have selflessly and valiantly dedicated themselves to something other than themselves.”
Society owes veterans a debt of gratitude, she said, not just on Veterans Day, but every day.
The sun shone warmly over the occasion, and a gentle breeze fluttered the tall American flags set up near the podium and the smaller American flags that decorated veterans' graves.
Potts said he came to the ceremony for the camaraderie of others who have served in the military.
“I love veterans,” he said, adding that World War II veterans, which both his grandfathers were, are his favorites.
Elsewhere, similar displays of gratitude for veterans took place.
Near the intersection of Miller and Orange, veterans, active military members, reservists and their families waited in line for a free barbecue lunch held by Santa Maria attorney Michael Clayton.
Navy veteran and Santa Maria resident Andrew Flores chatted with former sailor Bob Demoree of Santa Maria, who fought in the Korean War.
Flores, who was in the Navy in the 1980s and '90s, said he comes to Clayton's barbecue each year.
“I think it's great,” he said, adding that there should be more events to recognize veterans throughout the year.
“You've got to get involved. That's the American way,” Flores said.
Veterans Day events took place across the Central Coast, including one at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Santa Maria that was organized by American Legion Post 56, an event at the Lompoc Veterans Memorial Building organized by VFW Post 1717, and an event at the Veterans Memorial Building in Solvang hosted by VFW Post 7139. Another occurred at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Orcutt and was organized by American Legion Post 534.
November 12, 2008
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