RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Rancho Cordova annual Veterans Day Observance took place at the Cordova High School Performing Arts Center for the first time, enabling veterans, friends and family members to enjoy in comfort.  The River City Concert Band supplied music, and Master of Ceremonies Bob Burns led the program.  Rick Swinford led ceremonial placing of wreaths by National Sojourners.                     

John Hinson, Associate Director of VA Northern California Health Care System, announced the newly placed commemorative bricks as the veterans or their representatives received recognition, escorted by Cordova High School Air Force Junior ROTC.  Hinson served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Afghanistan and Iraq.  “We all have a sense of brotherhood . . .” Hinson said.  “The main thing is camaraderie. It’s not something you get anywhere else.”

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Lindsey Sin, Deputy Secretary, Women Veterans Affairs, spoke about supporting our veterans.  “We as a society and community of people who want to support our veterans can do a lot when veterans come home,” Sin said, “and even when people are serving active duty to make sure that they’re getting all the support that they need.”  In an interview later Sin said that a lot of progress has been made, but that, “We still have a long way to go to make sure that all military service members are supported, male and female, childless or with children, starting families or not . . . we have some more work to do.”

Keynote speaker David Stockwell, Director, VA Northern California Health Care System, suggested four ways to help a veteran.  First, consider hiring a veteran.  Second, volunteer at your local VA Hospital.  Third, consider donating to a trustworthy veterans’ service organization.  Fourth, don’t forget the ones who are left behind, family members, spouses, left with uncertainty.  “Thinking of a way to step into that gap and meet that need on behalf of a veteran’s family might be something you can do to make a difference for veterans . . .” Stockwell said. “Whether it’s a teenager who is a veteran or someone that is 90 or 100 years old it is important to remember how much they sacrificed for our freedom.  Today is the day we remember that.  So to all veterans, God bless you and God bless America.”