Hollister
– Local residents are expected to come out in force Saturday to
support San Benito County’s veterans.
Hollister – Local residents are expected to come out in force Saturday to support San Benito County’s veterans.
The League of United Latino American Citizens will hold its 13th annual Veterans Breakfast at 7am Saturday in honor of those who not only served, but also remain active in their community in civilian life.
The fifth annual Veterans Day Parade will held by the San Benito County Veteran’s Coalition. The parade will begin at 10am and will end at 11am in front of the Veterans Memorial Building to honor eight World War II veterans from San Benito County, said Richard Herrera, head of the Veterans Committee.
“This year we wanted to give World War II veterans a special recognition,” Herrera said.
The parade is a chance for veterans of all ages to come together to share experiences, build patriotism in children and honor those who have served, Herrera said.
He said the parade has seen increased participation each of the five years it has been held.
LULAC will holding a breakfast at 7am Saturday to benefit the Year 2007 LULAC Scholarship Fund and honor two exceptional veterans.
Gordon Machado and Rudy Rodriguez will receive the Veteran of the Year Award at 8:30am Saturday at the San Benito High School Cafeteria. Machado, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, said he military experience helped prepare him for life.
“They embed on you that you can do it ‘hell or high water,'” Machado said.
After finishing junior college in the 1960s Machado felt it was time to fulfill his obligation to serve. He said the Marine Corps especially teaches discipline and instills confidence.
“It’s to the betterment of each individual,” Machado said.
Being honored as LULAC’s veteran of the year is more than the service he did for his country, Machado said.
“Obviously it’s quite an honor,” Machado said. “It’s more for the public commitment instead of the service.”
Herrera said Veterans Day celebrates and recognizes veterans who have served their country.
“It’s not an event for the war or against the war,” Herrera said. “We try to keep the politics out of it.”
Michael Van Cassell covers public safety for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or [email protected].
