Hawaiian Gardens Celebrates Veterans Day at New Memorial Plaza

Hawaiian Gardens celebrated Veteran’s Day this past week with a special ceremony with Mayor Victor Farfan, Capt. Donald McMackin, Princess Monica Vargas, Miss HG Adilene Rios, Council Members Barry Bruce, Rey Rodriguez, Mike Gomez and Michi Oyama-Canada.

By Rico Dizon

The City of Hawaiian Gardens honored the past and present men in uniform in service for their country during Veterans Day ceremonies held last Monday at the city’s Veterans Memorial Plaza at City Hall.

Standing on guard by the star-shaped stone granite memorial were Honor Guards and Veterans Angelo Mestas, a resident of the city who fought in the Korean war, Pete Mercado of the US Navy and Don Collins of the US Army, 82^nd Airborne.

In welcoming guests and attendees, Mayor Victor Farfan said, “We are happy to have a permanent place in the heart of our city that will honor the nation’s and Hawaiian Gardens’ past and present service members.”

“Our brave war veterans paid a price for the freedom we all now enjoy,” said Bill Clapp, Master Sergeant (Ret.), United States Army, one of the guest speakers invited to the well-attended memorial rites for veterans. The other guest speaker was Capt. Donald E. McMackin, United States Navy (Ret.).

Presentation of Colors was done by Color Guard David Shackleford while Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Miss Hawaiian Gardens Adilene Rios and Princess Monica Vargas who graced the one-hour program.

Invocation was recited by Army 1^st Cavalry Ernie Aguilar – VFW Post 7243 and the National Anthem was spiritedly rendered by Jacqui Johnson. Mike Laughlin of VFW Post 7243 led the closing prayer. Present during the ceremonies were City Council Members Mike Rodriguez, Barry Bruce, Mike Gomez and Michi Oyama-Canada.