More than a hundred Gilroyans gathered outside the Veterans Memorial Building on Sixth Street Friday to honor the men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces during a heartfelt Veterans Day ceremony.
There was the Presentation of the Colors, by the Color Guard of Post 6309 and American Legion Post 217, a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by Ted Sanchez and patriotic music performed by the Christopher High and Gilroy High School marching bands, who played together for the first time in five years.
Mayor elect Roland Velasco, who served four years in the US Army, was the guest speaker.
John Ceballos, past District 12 Commander and past VFW Post 6309 Commander, served as Master of Ceremonies for the hour-long service, which saw Robert “Bobby” Armendariz, Commander of Gilroy American Legion Post 217 named Veteran of the Year, one of eight veterans recognized by Assemblymember for District 30, Luis Alejo.
“Bobby is deeply committed to the veteran community, is involved in various organizations, most notably Gilroy American Legion Post 217, where he serves as commander,” said Daniel Dodge from Alejo’s office. “Under his guidance, the post has distinguished itself as a community leader, which regularly gives scholarships and advocates for veterans affairs.”
Armendariz began his military and advanced infantry training at Fort Lewis, Wa., gaining knowledge in the armored division as a tank driver and infantry light weapons specialist. He was then deployed to Germany as part of a Ranger Unit with the 16th Infantry, Alpha Company, First Battalion where he supported his unit as a tank driver.
After his honorable discharge, Armendariz returned to his native Gilroy and married his wife Lucy. He worked for 30 years at Crown-Zellerbach, a paper products corporation, until his retirement.
“The people of California solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly on the seas, in the air, on foreign shores to preserve our heritage of freedom,” recited Dodge before welcoming Armendariz to the podium. “It is appropriate to applaud Bobby Amendariz for the courageous manner through which he’s served and sacrificed to safeguard our democratic principles for this generation and generations to come.”
Ushered through the crowd in a round of applause, at the podium, Armendariz thanked the gathered group of servicemen and their families, the American Legion and Gilroy community.
“Thank you for this great honor,” said Armendariz, during a brief speech that called for veteran unity. “ We [The American Legion] does as much as we can for the community and for all veterans – no matter who they are. Whether they served in the US or overseas, or were combat veterans.
We have to remember that we are all veterans, no matter what, where or who we served with. We need to appreciate ourselves, and devote our time to the community, especially to the young people of this city of Gilroy, so they grow up to be strong and hopefully become veterans that will carry on this work. Thank you very much.”
