Veterans Day Ceremony: Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation 22nd Annual Event

The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation led by Lt. John W. Blankenship USN with his team, and a unified show of military organizations and first responders, held their 22^nd annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, at the Santa Barbara Cemetery. Public attendance was estimated at 1,400, including representatives from all divisions of military service: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines.

The 90-minute tribute program had remarks by LTC Pablo Paredes US Army; Blankenship; Presenting of the Colors by the SB Police Dept. Color Guard; the Pledge of Allegiance led by Lt. Col. Patricia Rumpza USAF; the National Anthem sung by David Gonzales Sgt. SBPD; a Flock of White Doves Release; the Invocation by Chaplain Jerry Gray SSGT USAF; and the keynote speaker was Brigadier General Frederick Lopez who was joined by his grandson Ryan Marsh. The Wreath ceremony celebrates each branch of the U.S. Military while their theme song is played.

Musical performances were by the Gold Coast Pipe Band; the Santa Barbara Choral Societyled by JoAnne Wasserman artistic director & conductor; and the Prime Time Band led by Dr. Paul Mori.

The featured music performance was a new song composed by Barry De Vorzon titled, “The Veteran Song.” De Vorzon, who served in the military himself, talked about his experience and reasons for composing the song. Blankenship stated that the song will become part of the annual Veterans Day ceremony.

In closing, Howard Hudson and Bob Burtness played the “Echo Taps” by the U.S. flag and the Gold Coast Pipe Band played “Green Hills/After the Battle.”