Gathering to remember

Dave Brooks

Never forget. It is the mantra of many veterans, especially those who

served in Pearl Harbor. Today at Pier Plaza, and across the country,

Americans will remember.

They will remember and honor the men and women who served in the

armed forces. They will remember the sacrifices and the lessons

learned.

The special 11 a.m. Veteran’s Day ceremony at Pier Plaza is an

opportunity to educate, but many veterans say the event is just one

of the ways veterans are trying to keep the memories of those who

fought in the armed services alive.

Korean War Veteran Bob Davis said he spends the holiday

remembering all those who served in the armed forces, whether they

battled deep in the trenches or worked at home on the supply line.

“Whether it was the clerk typist in Washington or a combat man in

Belgium or the South Pacific, I appreciate their efforts,” he said.

Veteran’s Day is the anniversary of the end of the first World War

and the burial of an unknown American soldier several years later at

Arlington National Cemetery.

The holiday is usually commemorated on the 11th hour, of the 11th

day of the 11 month. Prior to 1954, the holiday was known as

Armistice Day.

Huntington Beach has a very active military presence, said Korean

War veteran Ned Metsch of the American Legion Post 133.

The population of men who served in World War II is dwindling as

they get older, said Metsch, who estimates that only 10% to 15% of

those who fought are still alive today.

“We have to begin to encourage young people to talk to their

grandfathers and great uncles to capture those memories before they

disappear,” he said.

One of the ways the veterans get involved is by visiting more than

2,000 school children in Huntington Beach each year to tell the

stories of their service and bravery.

The presentations get a great response from the students, but

there’s no doubt who is having the most fun.

“Sometimes I feel like we’re getting more out of this than the

children,” Metsch said. “It feels good to show them our metals and

tell them our stories. We always get a great response, its almost

like a religious experience.”

Marine Chaplain Bob Murray said Veteran’s Day is a good time to

visit former serviceman in the hospital and pay respects to the

graves of fallen soldiers, Murray said.

In an attempt to forever recognize their contributions, the

American Legion Post 133 had hoped to unveil a donation of three

flagpoles to the city today to fly the American, California and city

flag during special events like the U.S. Open of Surfing and the

Fourth of July parade. Fundraising and permitting roadblocks have

delayed the project.

Putting the poles up was also much more expensive than the group

originally thought. Their proximity to the ocean require they be

constructed of a costly rust proof fiberglass material.

Service Officer Mickey Pitre said the group finally was able to

come up with enough money to finance the project, thanks to two

recent private donations. Councilman Dave Sullivan also gave the

project a boost by requesting the council allow the city to waive a

$300 design review fee and a $900 building plan check. The council

will vote on the issue Monday.

Flagpole or no flagpole, today’s festivities will go on and

members of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the

Jewish War Vets will all be participate in the eventFor more

information, visit https:// www.hbpost133.org