Welcome to our eight-annual Tribute to Veterans – Temecula
Valley event! The following are event summary.
This year, Veterans –
Temecula Valley was proud to recognize five outstanding veterans and
acknowledge these veterans in our annual Tribute to Veterans – Temecula Valley
program. In addition to our five
“Outstanding Community Service Honorees,” we the following office and/or
organizations were represented:
California State Senator Joel Anderson, 36th District; Azusa
Pacific University – Murrieta, California Campus; University of Redlands –
Temecula, three member of Temecula’s City-hood Incorporation Committee;
and United States Submarine Veterans Inc.
Our program was started with a welcome from Michael
McCracken, followed by the Invocation from Perry Peters, one of three Committee-members,
city of Temecula’s City-hood. As
Temecula Valley High School JROTC presented our Nations’ Colors, I watched
excitedly, with anticipation of the presentation later in our program. As a thirty-year Navy veteran, I have
witnessed a great many National Anthem performances, however, I have to admit,
Ms. Yzquirre performed on of the best version of the National Anthem. Her performance brought back great memories
for all, especially those in uniform – a recommended addition to any military
program.
During our program, Certificates of Recognition courtesy of
California State Senator Joel Anderson, 36th District Office, was
presented for our five Outstanding Community Service Honorees and to those
Veterans, in attendance. In addition to award presentation for our Honorees, Veterans
– Temecula Valley arranged a special presentation. SSgt Doyle “Popeye” Tolbert was taken by
surprise when TVHS JROTC marched, in perfect formation, with SSgt Tolbert’s
American Flag, which was flown in Afghanistan, Camp Leatherneck, on May 27,
2013 -- Memorial Day – in SSgt Tolbert’s honor.
The great significance of this…SSgt Tolbert is part of an organization
called “Veterans Without Families.” As
mentioned by SSgt Tolbert, one of their mail goals: Support the dignified burial
of veterans with no families. In one of
our military most cherished ceremonies, old memories were relived, a better
understanding of why we serve was received, and a stronger bond was
achieved. The level of emotion was
strong as all shared in this emotional ceremony. From those who have served, to that still
service, and for the families and support groups, the true meaning of service
was demonstrated and received.
