Veterans, community members honor military personnel at Veterans Day Ceremony in Santa Barbara

Veterans and community members gathered at the Santa Barbara Cemetery Wednesday morning to remember those who served in the United States military. The ceremony was adorned with flags, flowers and military personnel equipment. The event was presented by Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation. The UC Santa Barbara ROTC Color Guard, the Gold Coast Pipe Band, the Santa Barbara Choral Society and the Prime Time Band all performed. Barney Melekian, retired U.S. Coast Guard Reserve officer, gave the keynote speech. Melekian is a former Santa Barbara police chief, who also worked in the Obama Administration. “Veterans Day is about thanking that broader number of men and women who give their time and talent and served this country in the armed forces in numerous capacities,” Melekian said. Patricia Rumpza, retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant, led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by David Gonzales, a retired sergeant for the Santa Barbara Police Department, who sang the National Anthem.

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