Santa Barbara Rallies to Honor Our Veterans

By Maria McCall

On Veterans Day, more than 1,000 families, friends, and grateful community members gathered at Santa Barbara Cemetery – where veterans from as far back as the Civil War are laid to rest – to honor the courageous men and women who have served with unwavering dedication and sacrifice.

The Santa Barbara Choral Society, led by veteran conductor JoAnne Wasserman, performed “A Tribute to the Armed Forces (Service Medley),” including the official song of The U.S. Maritime Service in tribute to 97-year-old veteran Donald Seth (U.S. Merchant Marines, Fmr.). Seth attended in his dressed blues, joined by friends Dana Newquist (U.S. Army, Fmr.) and Gary Simpson (U.S. Coast Guard, Fmr.). The Prime Time Band followed with “Enduring Traveler” and “Midway March.” 

A program highlight was “The Veteran,” written by celebrated composer Barry De Vorzon as a tribute to fallen service members and those deeply affected by their military service.

A ‘Thank You’ to Lt. John Blankenship USN (Frm.) and Hazel Blankenship for their stewardship, and the crowd is already looking forward to celebrating this heartfelt remembrance ceremony next year.

Attendees included Mayor Randy and First Lady Janet Rowse, Pablo Paredes, Jill Nida, Pete and Gerd Jordano, Andrea Newquist, Sheriff Bill Brown, Stan Baratta, Dana Hansen, SBPD Chief Kelly Gordon, BGen Frederick Lopez, Ryan Marsh, Patricia Rumpza, Howard Hudson, Bob Burtness, David Gonzales, Jerry Gray, Hillary Hauser, and Bill Boetticher.