Veterans of all wars honored in solemn ceremony in Bayamón

The veterans community of Puerto Rico celebrated Veterans Day at the Bayamón Lions Club on Tuesday, where the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces were recognized for their heroism and dedication.

By THE STAR STAFF

The veterans community of Puerto Rico celebrated Veterans Day at the Bayamón Lions Club on Tuesday, where the heroism and dedication of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces were recognized.

The event was led by Veterans Advocate Agustín Montañez Allman, who highlighted the courage and sense of duty of Puerto Rican veterans, many of whom participated in the Korean, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and Persian Gulf conflicts, as well as in humanitarian and peacekeeping missions around the world.

“Duty is neither evaded nor avoided, and you have set the standard for courage, bravery, and perseverance,” said Montañez Allman, a veteran decorated with the Bronze Star Medal for his service in the Persian Gulf War. “Your example is what sustains the resilience of this people.”

During his remarks, the advocate also highlighted the humanitarian work carried out by Puerto Rican soldiers in the construction of roads and water systems, and the delivery of medical services in communities affected by conflict and social instability in various regions of the world.

Those participating in the event included Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera; legislators José Aponte Hernández, Gregorio Matías Rosario, Ángel Morey Noble and Ada Álvarez Conde; Puerto Rico National Guard Adjt. Gen. Carlos Rivera Román; Public Safety Secretary Gen. Arthur Garffer Croly; Gen. Carlos Gorbea; and Lions Club President Andrés Grillasca.

As part of the commemoration, Jorge Pedroza, commander in Puerto Rico of the Vietnam Veterans of American, was recognized on the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Veterans Eduardo Miranda and Mario González, both 97 years old, were also honored for their continued community service through the Lions Club.

Music was provided by the group Son Veterano, composed of former military personnel, while Junior ROTC cadets from María T. Cadilla de Martínez High School in Arecibo presented the official colors. In a solemn ceremony, representatives of veterans’ organizations placed flags on an empty chair in honor of soldiers missing in action or prisoners of war (POW-MIA).

Veterans Day, celebrated every Nov. 11, originally commemorated the armistice that ended World War I in 1919. Decades later, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially designated the date as National Veterans Day, at the suggestion of veteran Raymond Weeks, to honor all those who served in any armed conflict.

Other Veterans Day observances were held around the island Tuesday, including in the towns of Arecibo, Fajardo, Morovis and Aguas Buenas.