Guest Opinion | Bill Paparian: On Veterans Day Remember Service to Others is the Greater Good

In his inaugural address President Kennedy said: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.

 I was 11 years old when John Kennedy delivered his inaugural address. His speech had a profound impact on my life when several years later I would volunteer to join the Marine Corps.  Service over self is part of my family pedigree, a life lesson I embraced being raised by a combat-wounded Marine.  In fact, I owe my life to my father’s wounds, which sent him to the hospital where he met and fell in love with my mother, a Red Cross volunteer.  

Together, they raised me to value hard work, loyalty, and self-sacrifice. They taught me that when you dedicate yourself to service of others, you are serving the greater whole.

In placing service over self all military veterans have answered President Kennedy’s question and in so doing are an example for all of us and a reminder of our obligations as Americans to our country. The measure of our worth is not fame or fortune but rather what we give back to our nation and our community.

Even after returning home from active duty, Military Veterans continue to serve our community as first responders in their civilian careers as law enforcement officers and firefighters.  Others serve our community as members of the local chapters of the American Legion and Vietnam Veterans of America. 

The theme of this year’s city of Pasadena’s Veterans Day is a recognition of the continuing service of Military Veterans to our community when we gather at 10:30 a.m. on November 11 in front of City Hall.  Our keynote speaker this year is Brigadier General (CA) David Smith, Special Assistant to the Commander, California State Guard (CSG) California Military Department where he supports the readiness, effectiveness, and integration of the CSG with the California Army and Air National Guard.   

Additionally, he is the director of the multi-billion-dollar Air Force Production and Flight Test Facility, Plant 42.  General Smith entered the Air Force in 1982 and flew B-52’s at multiple locations.  He has also served as a Regimental Air Liaison Officer attached to the elite 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.  He deployed to combat duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The invocation and benediction will be offered by CSG Chaplain Major Brenda Threatt who is with the 224th Sustainment Battalion, Long Beach State Guard (Army Division.)  MAJ Threatt is the Assistant Director of Veterans Services at El Camino College.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, well known for her support of military veterans, will be a featured speaker on the program.  Former Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek, a Vietnam-Era Veteran of the Army National Guard and Reserves, will be the Master of Ceremonies.

The Blair High School Junior ROTC will provide the honor guard and there will be 70 Cadets attending the event.  Gold Star mothers and families will be recognized by the Pasadena Scottish Pipes and Drums who will perform Amazing Grace as a tribute to them. The 50 member Pasadena City College Band will play the anthems of each branch of the Armed Forces.  The Second Battalion Twenty-Third Marine Regiment, our Pasadena marines, will provide a static weapons and vehicle display.  The event will conclude with a low altitude close formation flyover by the Condor Squadron.

Please join us on at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday as the City of Pasadena Salutes our Veterans.