Veterans Honored At Acacia Creek

The fifth floor dining hall of was packed beyond expectation for the retirement community's 2011 Veterans Day ceremony, held Friday, Nov. 11.

“The turn out today was more than we had expected. We had about 150 people show up,” said Chuck Mayor, Executive Vice President of Acacia Creek. 

“We wanted to pay special tribute to our veterans with today’s program,” Mayor added.

There are 22.7 million veterans in the country today, according to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Although this may seem like a lot, that number is slowly decreasing each year. 

In turn, as less of the country’s population serves in the military, there are fewer Veterans Day parades and, overall, less appreciation for those that have served our country, said retired U.S. Army general Chester Ward.

Gen. Ward was the event’s honored guest speaker. Also on hand was the program’s Master of Ceremonies, Calvin Gilbert, another U.S. Army retiree who introduced Mario Cuestas of the San Jose Fire Department. Cuestas sang a moving rendition of the National Anthem. 

Following Cuestas’ performance, Acacia Creek Masonic Envoy and retired member of the U.S. Navy David Hossfeld offered a veterans tribute and reading.

Hossfeld was followed by Acacia Creek resident and retired Air Force member Ernest Meamber, who introducing Gen. Ward. 

After Gen. Ward’s speech, Acacia Creek recognized its veterans that have served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marines, and U.S. Coast Guard. 

This was followed by Cuestas' performance of “God Bless America” for the honored veterans along with their spouses and friends.