The clouds parted to a beautiful sunny sky just as Malibu residents and veterans of the Armed Forces gathered for the 12th annual Malibu Veterans Day celebration at Legacy Park on Friday.
Pepperdine University’s brass quintet played “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,” as Malibu Mayor John Sibert, a Marine veteran, welcomed everyone on behalf of the city.
“Today is an important day because we remember those who keep our country safe,” Sibert said.
Sibert introduced Capt. Kevin Johnson, who has had a 26-year career in the U.S. Navy, as master of ceremonies for the event. Johnson asked the crowd to take a moment and pause in honor of the more than 20 million serving in the Armed Forces.
Our Lady of Malibu School 2nd and 5th graders Lola and Isabella McCormick sang the national anthem, followed by the Pepperdine Ambassadors leading everyone in the pledge of allegiance.
Pastor Michael Mudgett of Malibu Presbyterian Church said a prayer for the nation and its servicemen and women.
Johnson introduced Navy officer Christopher Hope, who spoke about the importance of remembering how much those in service sacrifice.
“We miss first days of school, weddings, family time and so much more than is realized,” Hope said.
Award-winning singer and songwriter Kathy Bee performed a song she wrote as a salute to the Armed Forces. Bee has performed for such prominent people as Bob Hope and Bill Clinton.
“When I wake up everyday I’m so happy I can say I’m an American,” Bee sang as part of the lyrics of her song, “I’m an American.”
Audience members smiled as Victoria Nodiff-Netanel led miniature horse Pearl “The Wonder Pony” to the front of the podium. Nodiff-Netanel and Pearl are a certified pet therapy team who work with veterans on a regular basis.
“Pearl helps lift spirits through the interaction of animal/human bond,” Nodiff-Netanel said.
For the past two-and-a-half years the therapy team has been going to the Los Angeles Veterans Hospital to visit patients’ bedsides.
“Pet therapy really helps patients,” Nodiff-Netanel said. “We facilitate interaction when patients won’t talk to doctors or nurses.
“Pearl provides unconditional love and helps decrease loneliness,” Nodiff-Netanel added, as the miniature horse entertained the audience with different tricks.
Marjorie Dukatz, a Marine Corps veteran, said she was in high school when World War II broke out and had to wait until she turned 20 to join. The Korean War broke out soon after.
“I spent 14 months in actual service,” Dukatz said. “But I have been beside you during war for more than 10 years.”
Our Lady of Malibu School students sang “America Is” and “America’s Finest” as one of the students held a picture of her brother who is currently serving in Iraq.
Spoken word artist Demi McCoy recited “When Stripes Meet Stars” in honor of her father who served 23 years in the Air Force and to all those serving.
Jose Camacho, a Navy veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, thanked the veterans for leading the way for him to be there today.
Commanding Navy Officer Capt. Ron Oswald honored all the American sons and daughters who “leave the comfort of their homes to defend our country.”
“They overcome the toughest challenges on hostile seas and hostile lands,” Oswald added. “They are true patriots.”
Artist David Schwartz, who uses the American flag as canvas, unveiled his latest work, “The Golden Eagle,” at the event and thanked the City of Malibu and the Malibu Chamber of Commerce for “combining art and patriotism.”
Chief Petty Officer Daniel R. McKee quoted George Washington: “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”
Navy Commanding Officer Chris Cegielski spoke of how Veterans Day traces back to 1918, during World War I, and how six more wars have been fought since then.
“War is something we will never get away from,” Cegielski said. “Young people will always be serving. I ask you to celebrate Veterans Day everyday of the year. Talk to a veteran and just say thank you.”