Master Chief Oliver Thurmond of the U.S. Navy said that growing up, he wanted to be just like his father, a Navy Seal and veteran of the Vietnam War who was his best friend, role model and hero. It’s an example he still seeks to emulate.
“The reason why I have chosen to serve for the last 24 years is to protect the way of life for those that don’t have the means or ability to do so, and for that I [would] gladly lay down my life,” Thurmond said.
Thurmond was among several veterans of the armed forces who spoke Monday before a robust crowd of residents, political officials and veterans of the armed services gathered at Legacy Park for the 14th Annual Veterans Day ceremonies.
The event was hosted by Pepperdine University, the City of Malibu, Wells Fargo and the Malibu Chamber of Commerce.
“Today, as you can tell, is quite possibly the event on the Malibu social calendar,” said Beth Neal, president of Malibu Chamber of Commerce who opened the ceremonies. The entire Malibu City Council was present, as were representatives from State Senator Fran Pavley, Assemblymember Richard Bloom and L.A. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky.
As in years past, the event followed a time-honored protocol.
Captain Lawrence Vasquez served as the Master of Ceremonies and asked everyone to rise for the presentation of colors and the national anthem.
Pastor Greg Hughes from Malibu Presbyterian Church then led the ceremony in a prayer of thanks for the men and women who fought and laid down their lives on behalf of America and its citizens.
“We must always remember that freedom isn’t free!” Malibu Mayor Joan House exclaimed.
Emotions were high as singer, writer and actress Melanie Williams belted out a stirring rendition of the national anthem.
Boy Scout Troop 224 then led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chief Judy Daniel of the Navy, who served in the Persian Gulf War in Iraq in 1991, remembered many of the U.S. troops who died in SCUD missile attacks. Chemical exposure was a big threat to her troops, she said, and some of them still suffer from disorders related to chemical exposure. Despite the risks, she says the U.S. Navy helped her accomplish great things.
“There is no limit to what woman can accomplish in the service,” Daniel said.
Children from the local elementary schools then chipped in play a role in the ceremony. Webster Elementary School children lined up to sing “My County ‘Tis of Thee,” while other children from Our Lady of Malibu, Juan Cabrillo, and Point Dume schools waited patiently for their turn to honor the veterans. Beverly Craveiro of Our Lady of Malibu worked the crowds with her students.
The children shook hands with the veterans and thanked them after they sang “America’s Finest.”
“If you are not pumped up now, you are in the wrong place!” joked Master of Ceremonies Captain Vasquez, after the children’s performance.
Students from Juan Cabrillo also presented peace flags in honor of the sacrifices made by the men and women of the armed forces.
“We can sleep at night without worries knowing that tomorrow freedom and American values will still exist,” said Juan Cabrillo Principal Pam Herkner.
Kevin and Kylie McNulty from Point Dume Elementary School recited poems to express gratitude to all who serve to protect our freedom.
Award winning singer and songwriter Kathy Bee, who has performed for prominent figures such as Bob Hope and former President Bill Clinton, then sang an original song she wrote titled “I’m An American.” Bee said she found the inspiration to write the song from her father and brother, who both served in the Army.
Meanwhile, artist David Schwartz displayed his artwork collection bearing the theme “Honor a hero and hire a vet.” The collection was inspired, Schwartz said, after he found nine flags in a trash can and decided to use the flags as an art canvas. He has since received support both from the international community as well as American military veterans.
In closing the ceremonies, Captain Vasquez nodded to the red, white and blue colors flying above the park.
“When you see our colors on a flagpole, you recognize you are home!” he said.
