2010 - Year of the Veteran

Posted January 15, 2010 at by Geneva Brett, VP.

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2010 Proclaimed - Year of the Veteran in Los Banos

As testament to the feelings of the people of Los Banos regarding our Veterans, there was a standing ovation after Raul Gutierrez, Chair of the Veterans Committee for the Benevolent Order of the Elks, received the Proclamation from the Mayor Proclaiming 2010 the Year of the Veteran in Los Banos.

Upon Mr. Gutierrez’s request for any Veterans in the audience to join him in accepting this honor, local Veteran Bob Reister (not pictured) and two members of The Los Banos Buffalo Soldiers 9^th and 10^th Cavalry Association went before the Council to accept Los Banos’ thanks.

Part of the Proclamation reads (without the WHEREAS’):

“The American Veteran is forever a symbol of heroism, sacrifice, loyalty, and freedom. We hereby urge all citizens to solemnly remember the sacrifices of those who have fought so valiantly in our past conflicts on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores. We ask all Los Banosans to recognize the sacrifices of those who have gone before them to preserve our heritage of freedom.

Los Banos recognizes honors and thanks all Veterans of the Armed Services of the United States of America, past and present, who have served their country, both living and dead. The memories of these American Veterans will continue to live on whenever and wherever democracy exists. Freedom is paid for by the blood, sweat, tears and very lives of our Veterans and their families.”

Much to the delight of the Mayor (a Veteran himself) Mr. Gutierrez mentioned plans are in the works for a 2010 Veterans Parade. Mayor Jones stressed the importance of including school children so they truly understand the sacrifices our Veterans make to ensure our freedom, and promised to do whatever he can to help with youth involvement.

Although the initial idea was for a Parade on Veterans Day, members of the Chamber of Commerce, Elks, VFW, American Legion, Buffalo Soldiers, and Rotary have decided a 6pm Independence Day Parade Saluting our Veterans would be preferred. America is able to celebrate Independence because of the sacrifices of our Veterans. The Parade would go down 6^th Street and end at the Fairgrounds prior to the Fireworks celebration.

The participation of all service clubs and other community organizations is wanted, needed, and appreciated in the planning and participation of this Parade. Contact Raul Gutierrez (Elks) 826-2282 elks2510@pacbdll.net, Robert Strauch (VFW) firerob24lbfd@sbcglobal.net or Geneva Brett (Chamber) 587-0573 Geneva.Brett@Century21.com, to become part of the Parade Committee.

One of the goals for 2010 is for increased participation of our younger Vets; from those who served in Vietnam to those returning today. It matters not whether the Veterans saw combat duty. What matters is that the Veteran wrote a blank check to the United States of America; offering his or her life on behalf of every American citizen. Los Banos is excited for the opportunity to honor and thank each and every Veteran in our community. Veterans, we Salute YOU!

(From an article by Geneva Brett in “The Paper”)