Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) hosted its 20th annual TRIO Upward Bound and Talent Search graduation ceremony to celebrate the achievements of the program’s high school seniors on Saturday, April 29. More than 100 students and their families attended the TRIO Senior Recognition Celebration at the San Jacinto Campus library.

This year, MSJC’s Talent Search program served 500 students from Monte Vista Middle School, North Mountain Middle School, and San Jacinto High School and Upward Bound served 52 students from San Jacinto High School. At the celebration, 37 high school seniors were recognized for their commitment to their education by successfully completing the program.

Keynote speaker MSJC Board President and Upward Bound Graduate Joshua Rivera shared his experience being a student at MSJC and how transformative these programs are. His advice to the students was, “Ask yourself, what is my why? When you can answer it, things will come into place.” Superintendent/President, Roger Schultz, Ph.D. congratulated the students and commended them for participating in the TRIO program. He shared inspiring words of encouragement and reminded the graduates of the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving their goals.

For the first time in the program’s history, a generous donation for student scholarships was received. Wedbush United, a private investment firm based in Los Angeles, donated four thousand dollars providing four graduating seniors one-thousand-dollar scholarships each. Alonso Zul, a scholarship recipient, thanked Wedbush representatives for their donation, “With this scholarship I can worry a little less about my finances and it will help my parents with their cancer payments for my grandma.”

Zul plans to attend University of California, Berkeley in the fall. “We are so proud of our TRIO graduating class for their accomplishments,” Marisa Jones, Director, TRIO grant programs said. “This time of the year is one of our favorite moments with our students.

We are extremely grateful to Wedbush for making our students’ dreams come true.” TRIO Upward Bound and Talent Search are federally funded programs that provide academic and personal support to high school students from low-income families, first-generation college students and students with disabilities.

Both programs help students develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in college and beyond.

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Mt. San Jacinto College held its 14th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, on its San Jacinto Campus.

As part of the event, the college held a signing for its new Equity Pledge that ensures that the college’s mission, vision, values, and institutional policies and practices model and support equity, inclusiveness, and institutional excellence.

The celebration was a three-hour event, starting at 11 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Milo P. Johnson Library on the San Jacinto Campus, 1499 N. State St., San Jacinto.

The annual celebration at MSJC brings the community together to remember the message and work of Dr. King to promote social justice and equity. Guests enjoyed lunch, a performance by Toni Malone, and student speakers at the event, coordinated by the college’s Diversity Committee.

Mt. San Jacinto College serves about 27,000 students in a district covering 1,700 square miles from the San Gorgonio Pass to Temecula, with campuses in San Jacinto, Menifee, Banning and Temecula.

In May 2019, Mt. San Jacinto College awarded a record-breaking 3,314 degrees and certificates to 1,707 graduates.

Follow MSJC on social media – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Temple Beth Am will celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, at its special December 27^th Friday Hanukkah service. The public is welcome to participate in the celebration and the lighting of the menorah.

Hanukkah celebrates the re-dedication of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The Jews, in the Maccabean Revolt, defeated the Syrians who had occupied and despoiled the Holy Temple. When the Eternal Light, which hangs above the Holy Ark containing the Torah, was rekindled, there was only enough oil to last for a few hours. But miraculously, the oil lasted eight days, allowing time to produce more oil.

Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting the menorah candles for eight days. Potatopancakes (latkes), a traditional food, is served at gatherings. Also, jelly doughnuts (soufganiyot) are eaten. Foods fried in oil commemorate the holiday.

Temple Beth Am is an independent community synagogue serving the San Jacinto Valley since 1958. The Temple is located at 20520 State Street (at Soboba Road). For information, the website is www.templebethamsj.org or call 951-445-0502.

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Senior reporter Rusty Strait gives us his own take on Christmas around the world

We often think of Christmas as our thing, celebrated in our fashion, allowing, of course, for Bethlehem. However, You might not have the faintest ideal how it happens in our neighbors north and south. Let’s take the cold country up north, first.

CANADA                                                                                                                              Canada is a very multi-cultured country with all the traditions of their European ancestors. They love to ski, skate and toboggan during the Christmas holidays. They also like to shout it out that Santa Claus lives there and who are we to doubt that?  After all, that’s where the North Pole is.

Their Santa Claus Parade began in 1913. The big to-do came about when Saint Nick was pulled through the streets of Toronto.  It now rivals our Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade with 25 floats and more than 2000 people participating.

The Inuit celebrate “Sinck Tuck” in some parts of the large country, a festival that consists of dancing and gift exchanging.

Throughout the country their exists all sorts of celebrations that we might consider strange. For instance, in the north people honor Saint Catherine, the patron saint of single women, with a taffy pull. It is a watered down version of our Lil Abner’s “Sadie Hawkins Day:” The women meet and greet eligible bachelors but are far too polite to yank them home by the hair of their heads.

Europe and Eurasia is well represented. Ukrainians (very much in the news these days) represent the third largest of their number in the world outside of the Ukraine itself, and they have their traditional Christmas with 12 meat dishes on the Christmas dinner table.

Nova Scotians fill their tummies with lobster and shellfish from the North Atlantic Ocean on Christmas Eve.

The Christmas Season ends on January 6^th when the people of Quebec (highly French populated) celebrate “La Fete du Roi” when they bake a cake, place a bean in the middle. The lucky person who bites into the bean is crowned king or queen. The Spanish Canadians have a similar rite.

Then there are the Mummers who come out during the 12 days of Christmas, December 26 to January 6. The Mummers dress up in costumes similar to our Halloween, and go to door trying to get people to guess who they are. Somewhat different, I’d say, from Trick or Treat.  When the host doesn’t guess who they are, he or she is required to join them in some fun and games.

However, it got so out of hand that mummering is banned in most places. Mummering became an excuse for begging: sort of a trick or treat for cash, if you please. Most folks don’t mind giving up candy but draw the line when it comes to their gold and silver coins.

(Christmas North and South)

LET US NOW TAKE LEAVE OF THE NORTH AND TRAVEL SOUTH. MEXICO                                                                                                                                   Our Mexican friends to the south get a head start on Christmas. They begin celebrating on December 12^th and don’t stop until January 6^th.

Children perform the ‘Posada’ processions. Posada is Spanish for Inn or Lodging. The Spanish culture is quite prevalent throughout Mexico. There are nine Posadas as a part of the Christmas story as they emulate that starry night when Joseph and Mary looked for someplace to give birth to her son. Many of the children hop on the back of a donkey for authenticity, which adds to the flavor of such an event.

Posada parties are held at different houses each night during the Christmas Season.  The final Posada takes place on Christmas Eve when the Posada house is found, a baby Jesus is put into a manger. Afterward, families go off to midnight mass. That is followed by a celebration of fireworks. The entire Posada season is filled with colorful costumes, music and lights. 

Not unlike our own Hispanic communities, the Pinata is something to see. The Pinata is a very special deal and has a very special meaning. It is a decorated clay or paper-mache jar filled with sweets which is hung from the ceiling or a tree branch. It is often decorated as a ball with seven peaks around it. The peaks or spikes represent the ‘seven deadly sins.” Children are blind-folded to play the game, taking turns to club the pinata until it bursts open and the goodies pop out as children scramble to collect as many sweets as they can collect.  For colorful decorations, the nacimiento is still more popular than the Christmas Tree.

(Christmas North and South)

Known as ‘Noche Buena’ is Christmas Eve, also known as “Family day.” Banquets and celebrations are plentiful. Food, goodies include Pozole (a thick soup) made with hominy, chicken or pork and chilies topped with greens. Roast turkey, roast pork, tamales, bacalao (salt cod), romeritos (a green vegetable cooked in a mole sauce with potatoes and shrimp), salads galore, including Ensalada Nochebuena. The desserts are to die for, i.e., fried pastries sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon or hot sugar syrup. A warm punch called Ponche with fruit. (Also egg nog with rum slipped in).

Mexicans absolutely hold the patent on Poinsettias and they are abundantly displayed at every Christmas Celebration, which adds such brilliant colors to their celebrations.

As we all know, most people speak Spanish in Mexico, so when your Mexican friend wishes you “Feliz Navidad’, it doesn’t mean drop dead: it simply is a lovely way to say “Merry Christmas.”

Bet you didn’t know this one: The largest Angel Ornament ever created was assembled in 2001 by Sergio Rodriguez in the town of Nuevo Leon. It stands 18’3″ tall with a wing span of 11’9″. Now here’s the real trick – it was made completely out of 2946 old beer bottles and is considered a National Treasure by the locals.

During the next few weeks leading up to Christmas, I will be letting you in on some other Christmas celebrations that take place in spots around the world which you might not ever have hard of. So keep your reading specs handy.

Just sayin’.

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Announcing the 1st Annual HSJ Chronicle Football Awards

Editor’s Note; The HSJ Chronicle is pleased to announce the first of what will become an annual awards banquet.  While this year, we are only celebrating football, next year we will expand the awards to include a variety of sports.  The awards will be announced (actually, RE-announced, as our sports writer Kyle named his top five picks a few weeks ago), and we have found a sponsor.

Applebee’s has never failed to help this community, and they have come through for us again.  The “HSJ Chronicle Awards Breakfast” will be held at Applebee’s on Sunday, December 8 at 8am.  The winners and up to three (3) guests eat free!

In sponsoring this event, Applebee’s Manager Melissa Silva said, “Applebee’s is truly a neighborhood bar and grill, so we’re all about helping our neighborhoods and our community.”

Thank You Applebee’s and thank you Melissa Silva!

Applebee’s is located at 2515 W. Florida Avenue, Hemet.

See next week’s edition for more details!

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The Soroptimists “Jingle Mingle” Christmas event rings into action…

The Soroptimists of Hemet-San Jacinto is holding it Christmas “Jingle-Mingle” celebration on Thursday, December 5.

The Soroptimists are an international group.  The local Hemet-San Jacinto chapter recently held its highly successful, “Team work makes our dreamwork,” campaign, and seeks to build on that success.

Soroptimist International consists of Soroptimist International of the Americas, Soroptimist International of Europe, Soroptimist International of Great Britain & Ireland and Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific.  This organization is global in its influence, and local in its impact.   It is a global volunteer movement working together to transform the lives of women and girls. The network of approximately 75,000 club members in 122 countries works at a local, national and international level to Educate, Empower and Enable opportunities for women and girls.

The Soroptimists build their success on three main themes.

VISION                                                                                                                             Women and girls will achieve their individual and collective potential, realize aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide.

MISSION                                                                                                               Soroptimists transform the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities.

PRINCIPLES                                                                                                                        The principles of Soroptimism are to strive for: • The advancement of the status of women • High ethical standards • Human rights for all • Equality, development and peace and • The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace.

This organization always holds highly organized spectacular events and the “Jingle Mingle” promises to be another in a long line of successful fund-raisers.

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We who enjoy the right to live in freedom in the greatest state of the greatest country in the world, sometimes believe that if it isn’t happening to us, it just isn’t happening. Yes, we know all about the Pilgrims and Plymouth Rock…but just once maybe we might consider what the rest of the world finds worthy of being thankful for. Times change. Wars and political settlements change borders.  Let us not forget historical and generational changes as well. The latter is something of which my son constantly keeps me informed.

The where, what and why of holidays and the reasons for which we celebrate them also change. For instance, our Thanksgiving Day has basically been celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the November. Now it is situated so the country can take an extra day off. Friday after Thanksgiving used to be the day we recovered from the over-stuffing we did the day before.. Today that Friday is called, “Black Friday,” which has nothing to do with boiling cauldrons or witches. Instead, it becomes a time for folks to abandon home and hearth to do their discount Christmas Shopping. Black is hardly the color of the event. Stores are stacked from floor to ceiling with bright blinking lights. Folks prod and shove, while carelessly knocking over other shoppers to get their hands on that last television that is priced 50% off “for today only!!”

We are like herds of disoriented bison racing across the prairies, destroying everything in sight. Racing to where? Just to get “there.” We have been led to believe that nobody in the world has anything to be thankful for except us, but hold on a second or two.. Thanksgiving is celebrated around the world for various reasons, so let’s take a look.

According to Wikipedia, a dozen other countries celebrate some type of “Thanksgiving Day.”
AUSTRALIA: : American sailing ships brought the holiday to Norfolk Island where it is celebrated the day before the last Thursday in October, or a month before our observance.
UNITED KINGDOM: Unlike the United States, there is no set date. Traditionally held on or near the Sunday of the harvest moon that occurs nearest to the autumnal equinox, where it has roots going back to the Saxons where wheat and other grains were offered to fertility gods. At reaping time communities came together to celebrate with a harvest supper. When Christianity came to the country, the observance was continued. Today it is celebrated in churches and schools from late September into early October, where food is collected and donated to local charities. 

JAPAN: Labor Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday, celebrated on November 23rd. Again, American influence during the occupation, following World War II, encouraged the holiday, although it has roots in an ancient Shinto ceremony.
JUDAISM: Reform Judaism does not ban Thanksgiving because it is considered secular, not religious.

SAINT LUCIA: Celebrated on the first Monday in October, it has no known foundation.
PHILIPPINES: The Philippines became an American territory following the Spanish/American War of 1898 and continued until 1946 when they were granted autonomy at the end of World War II. During the Japanese occupation both Filipinos and Americans there celebrated Thanksgiving secretly. During the years of martial law it was also secretly observed. It returned during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos. After his ouster in 1986, the tradition disappeared. Since 2001 it has been revived among workers employed by American employers.

THE NETHERLANDS: A non-denominational Thanksgiving Day service is held each year on the morning of the American Thanksgiving Day at a Gothic church in Leiden, noting the hospitality the Pilgrims received in Leiden on their way to the New World. 
Orthodox Protestant churches celebrate it on the first Wednesday in November, although it is not a public holiday.

LIBERIA: Thanksgiving occurs on the first Thursday in November, celebrating the 1820 colonization of freed black slaves from the United States.
GRENADA: Celebrated on October 25th, this holiday has no relationship to the Canadian and American traditions, although it is celebrated during the same time period. It actually marks the anniversary of the U.S. invasion of the island in 1983.
CANADA: Celebrated on the second Monday in October to give thanks to the end of harvesting. There are some religious ceremonies but mostly this is a secular event and is a statutory holiday throughout the country with the exception of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 

CHINA: In China they celebrate an “August Moon” festival, which falls on the 15th day of 8th lunar month of the Chinese Calendar. It is traditionally believed that when the moon is brightest, lovers speak out their heart to each other, and that women are similes to warm and compassionate virtues and own the gift of fertility, the same as mother earth.
BRAZIL: Quite similar to the American Thanksgiving. An Ambassador of Brazil, on a visit to the United States, was taken by the humbleness of our Thanksgiving and took it back to his country where it is celebrated as an expression of gratitude to Almighty for an enormous harvest.

(Thanksgiving around the world)

SOUTH KOREA: Their Thanksgiving, known as Chu-Sok begins on the 14th night of August and continues for 3 days. Prior to the evening meal, the family gathers in moonlight in remembrance of ancestors and forefathers. Children are garbed in long-prescribed dress, dancing a circle with the inherent desire of being blessed.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Now to the Thanksgiving roots we so delightfully celebrate as though our world was discovered in tact, with Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue sitting down there on Manhattan Island waiting for our business. That’s no where near what happened and all the happy greeting at Plymouth Rock did not exactly happen that way.
The Indians were not down at the docks welcoming the straggling mess of civilization that came ashore near Plymouth Rock. Most passengers and crew were suffering from exposure, malnutrition, scurvy and numerous other contagious diseases. Only half of the original crew that boarded the Mayflower in England actually reached the New World. The rest died at sea where there remains were fed to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean.

The passengers and crew aboard the Mayflower were mostly members of the English Separatist Church who took shelter in the Netherlands. Their adventure into the New World was designed to seek a better future. They were destined from the beginning to encounter failure. The weather only worsened the disaster-in-the-making. That anyone survived was a miracle. One Abenaki Indian greeted the Pilgrims in English (much to the surprise of everyone involved).
He then departed , returning several days later with Squanto, from the Pawtuxet Tribe who was later sold in slavery to an English sea captain: some reward to the man who saved the straggling adventurers.

Despite his own situation, Squanto became a teacher to these strangers from across the water. He taught them much about their new habitat: how to cultivate corn, make syrup from the sap of maple trees, fish the Massachusetts rivers, and avoid poisonous plants.
Squanto became a mediator between the various tribes and their new visitors, uniting them with the native Americans. Of the various tribes in the area, the Wampanoags tribe is one of only a few who kept a peaceful relationship with their European invaders over the years.
So how did our Thanksgiving come about? We probably learned the basics in kindergarten, but today most have only a general idea. 
In November 1621, the colonial Governor William Bradford organized a feast to thank the Native American hosts for their kindness. Ninety-one Native Americans joined them for the occasion.

We know, from historical documents, that it was a three-day celebration that featured fowl (probably wild turkeys) and five deer that were brought to the feast by the Wampanoags.
They were celebrating the first year of survival with their benefactors. There is no place that I can find where pumpkin pie was part of the deal, nor cranberries-both of which are now a necessary part of the feast.

Thanksgiving in America became an irregular event, randomly celebrated. It was not until Franklin Roosevelt became president that it became a national holiday. He declared that it should be celebrated one week prior to the next to last Thursday in November. There was an uproar in political circles. In 1941, sanctioned as a legal holiday by Congress, it was passed that Thanksgiving would be a legal holiday on the fourth Thursday in November. A tradition was born.

I have also come upon something else about Thanksgiving, generally not known: we believe that the first Thanksgiving was the one that was celebrated by the Mayflower survivors. Not true. Thanksgiving Day was celebrated on September 8, 1565 in St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest permanent settlement in North America, when Pedro Menendez de Aviles and his men shared a feast with the natives, more than fifty years before Plymouth Rock. 

At the beginning of this story I spoke of changes. Over the years, our traditional Thanksgiving has taken on additional reasons for its existence. Today, Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and all the trimmings: charity and giving has emerged as a cause. Football games and parades have become focused on pretty much everything but the Mayflower crowd. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, with all its Disney balloon characters and other commercial floats, is an introduction to Christmas shopping. Turkey Day has become a celebration of commercialism just like every other American holiday. The Mayflower and its sickly passengers have passed into oblivion. Yes, time changes things. Yes, time marches on…but has it ever occurred to us that maybe we are out of step with the music that time plays? Just sayin’
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The dawning of Monday, November 11, 2019, in the San Jacinto Valley was filled with sunshine, hope and it was also a time to reflect on times and places that were turbulent and uncertain. Times when families were torn apart as was the country and the world, From Bunker Hill to Pearl Harbor and even unto today when there is so much hatred and division among the nations.

 It was the 12th annual Veterans Day Celebration held at the Golden Era Golf Course and certainly one of the most heavily attended.

 As soft breezes swept across the golf course in a summertime atmosphere, it might have been the prelude to a carnival or bazaar. But it wasn’t, and if anyone thought that, they were at the wrong location.

 The celebration of heroes both living and dead reminded us all that without readiness in peace, there is no assurance in conflict. The nation celebrated the American will to be free, stay free and protect freedom for all.

 The keynote speaker for our event was 36th District Congressman Raul Ruiz, who addressed several hundred citizens who turned out to honor all veterans, both living and deceased, who stood tall and firm in our many battles to spread the idea of freedom for all, and especially to protect our own.

` Congressman Ruiz declared, “This is a holy day for veterans, and it is our veterans who have put their country above themselves and have made the United States of America the most remarkable and strongest nation in the world.” He pointed out specifically that, “those who have served have earned our respect,” and that we should treat our veteran s with acts of kindness.”

(American Veterans)

 He was quite forceful in announcing that “Our doors are open to any veteran who needs assistance,” and urged veterans to inquire as to what is their right in services if they haven’t already done so” He also said, “No veteran should be homeless.” 

Let’s get real folks. Should anyone ready to give up their life for our country be without a home?

 World War II Veteran, Dwayne (Bud) Armand, a Hemet resident, was presented with a Congressional Recognition by the Congressman. There were only a couple of WW II Veterans in attendance because the number who still live are dwindling daily.

 Local organizations in the community, i.e., Hemet Elks, Authority Real Estate of Hemet and Golden Era Productions, were recognized as sponsors of the annual tribute. Muriel Dufresne, Community Affairs Director of Golden Era Production, said the event was “Salute to Our Veterans, honored men and women of our nation’s armed services for their bravery, dedication and contribution to freedom in America.” 

 However, there was more to the day than speeches. Under perfect blue skies, a flyover was performed by a very daredevil pit in what appeared to be a twin wing plane salvaged from World War I that brought gasps from onlookers, flying so low as to “mow the grass without touching the ground” and off again. It was something a child might read about in a comic book, reminding this reporter of days long past when crop dusters performed such breathtaking chances. Those planes, as well as some other relics from previous wars, might be seen at the Props and Jet Museum of Hemet out at Ryan Field on the west end of town.

 The California Riverside Pipe Band performed “A Scottish Soldier,” which will bring a lump in the throat or tears to the eyes to anyone who understands the loss from battle and the feelings suffered by survivors. This was followed by The Riverside Sheriff Department Mounted Posse presentation of the colors.

 The San Jacinto High School Chamber Choir performed the national anthem, and the award-winning San Jacinto High School R .O. T. C. rifle drill team demonstrated competence of almost disbelief with a flawless drill routine. These youngsters appeared to be combat-ready if anyone had any doubt about preparedness. One wonders if these innocent students will someday be called upon to lay down their lives to protect our freedoms. If that thought doesn’t touch your heart, I fear you have heart problems. Any one of them, nearing adulthood, could be my child or your child. It is very thrilling to look at, but horrible to look beyond at the possibilities.

(American Veterans)

 U. S. Navy Veteran Virgal Woolfolk, a resident of Beaumont, who was part of the military task force to free the American hostages in Iran and later served during the Gulf War, delivered a very simple but meaningful invocation. 

 “For each and every venter,” he said, “who has served our country through the years, we thank you for your sacrifice. Comfort those who struggle in life after war, Help us to honor and care for those who have given so much for us,” he said. 

 The ceremonies ended with a five-gun rifle salute by the American Legion Post 53 Honor Detail team and fallowed by the audiences accompanying Golden Era’s own Linda Greilich and the San Jacinto High School Chamber Choir.in a loud and glorious rendition of “America The Beautiful.”

 A complimentary Luncheon, served by Authority Real Estate followed and there was free golf for all veterans

 I had the honor of front row seats with San Jacinto Mayor Russ Ut, Congressman Ruiz, Muriel Dufresne and my longtime friend Virgal Woolfolk. To say I was moved would be a vast understatement. Veterans from every war from World War II to whatever we call the mess in the Middle East and their families were present. I am one of those veterans. I reflected back to my childhood, long before I ever put on a uniform, and remembered that during the 1930’s kids bought bubble gum that came with Indian and Cowboy cards and War Cards that told stories of heroes and battles. The one thing I never forgot and I don’t think I ever will was a simple statement on the War Cards that said, “To know the Horrors of War is to Want Peace.” Who among us dare not say Amen to that? Just /sayin’.

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A veteran and writer puts his pain on paper

It might be a family reunion. It might be kids off from school during summer break. It might be a celebration of someone’s wedding or birthday. But it isn’t.

On November 11th, folks from numerous generations and beliefs will gather from early morning until late afternoon somewhere, perhaps at a park in Hemet, to pay homage and thanks to our military veterans of the many wars our country has fought in defense of liberty and justice for all.

Lofty words respecting honorable deeds, battle scars and the paying of the ultimate price – loss of life. Young boys and girls, who are too young to understand the gravity of the day, will frolic across the green grass and beneath the hundreds of flags of liberty fluttering beneath a clear sky as planes soar above to respect the event far below them.

There will be politicos and other officials with their usual commentaries about the day and the sacrifices it represents. You’ll see an exhibition of vintage cars, vendors hawking souvenirs, and stalls of food and clothing. The local first responders were well-represented by the police, fire and A.M.R. personnel. All of these things have become the norm for holidays. It often takes on the resemblance of some ancient Bazaar. But some more important things come to me as a veteran of two wars.

Love and comradeship are precious qualities that seem to be tossed about like leaves in the wind, with seemingly little value in our current society. On Veterans Day, old warriors in wheel chairs, some supported by crutches, will be enjoined as one family with two or more generations of citizens.

Wide-eyed young boys will listen with awe as (sometime exaggerated) battlefield sagas are exchanged among the old vets from WWII . Some will speak of the retaking of Paris and what a great turn out there was for the Americans who marched down the Champs-Elysees. They will be remembering the beautiful girls who showered the G.I.’s with hugs, kisses and bouquets of flowers.

Yours truly was stationed thousands of miles away from home on the small 2 x 4 mile island of Tinian, a part of the Mariannas Islands. Today they call it Micronesia.

We were still at war with Japan.

We listened in the mess hall on radio as President Harry Truman announced that the Japanese had surrendered. It was a happy occasion and the beer flowed like the Mississippi River.  Our day would come In August 1945 when, our Captain Paul Tibbets of the 509th Composite Group, stationed with the 308th Bomb Wing of the 20th Air Force piloted the Enola Gay, a B-29 (named after his mother) and dropped a bomb of death on Hiroshima: a bomb that forever changed the notion of war.

Sage older veterans remember that day every year as they will this year. There will be laughter and yes, tears as folks remember those who did not come home from the wars: World War II, The Korean Conflict, Vietnam, the Gulf Wars , Iraq and Afghanistan.

Time will have diminished the agony of old pain and suffering. Someone once said that all tragedy, looking back, has a comedic side. That’s true. However, during this hallowed time of remembrance, folks who lost fathers, husbands, brothers and sons will recall personal sacrifices both on the battlefields and on the home front.

Something I had forgotten, now comes home to me again. Old warriors do not like war. They’ve seen enough to last two life-times. I imagined a conversation between some teen-aged boys and a vet from Vietnam who lost his left arm at D’nang. One of the teens, looking forward to enlisting when he turns 18, gung ho for battle, might brag about conquest. “I can’t wait to get over in Korea and take out that North Korean dictator.” or, ‘ Let’s take out those Iranian thugs.”

The vet, might respond, “Why are you so anxious to get yourself killed?”

The kid answers , “We kill them first, don’t we?”

He probably hasn’t given a thought to the millions that might die in such a war, but an old vet may set him straight. “Maybe you ought to consider the cost of war before you wish it on yourself. It cost me an arm.”

“I had buddies who were blown to bits. Is that what you want? That’s war, kid. You’ve seen too many parades.” Will the boy be dissuaded? I doubt it.

I love it when a seasoned veteran has the opportunity to set a young fellow straight on the realities of war. No matter how much we hear “Let’s bomb the hell out of them,” nobody wants to be the victim of such a consequence.

There will be harmony and peace among us as the sun sets in the west and we hear taps while the flags are lowered. Perhaps we will have a record turnout of old and young warriors.. Yes, they will have spoken of war and their involvement, but I doubt we will hear one veteran say, “Let’s bomb hell out of them.” Peace will prevail, as “Old Glory” times two or three hundred waves in the afternoon breeze.

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Search: Beneath the celebration

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Craig Shultz, public information officer Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District

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