Photo By Lt. Col. Ruth Castro | Community leaders, friends, families, and Veterans gathered at the Barceloneta...... read more read more
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BARCELONETA, Puerto Rico – Community leaders, friends, families, and Veterans gathered at the Barceloneta Convention Center for a parade and short ceremony honoring all Veterans, past and present and their families on November 11.
Among the distinguished guests were Barceloneta Mayor, the Honorable Wanda Soler; Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico - elect, Honorable Jennifer Gonzalez Colon; Veterans Advocate assistant, Mr. Pedro Pagan; 1st Mission Support Command, commanding general, Brig. Gen. Alberto C. Rosende; Assistant Adjutant General for the Puerto Rico National Guard, Brig. Gen. Isabelo Rivera and hundreds of Veterans to include the Borinqueneers.
“It is such an honor to see so many heroes in our town here today,” said Soler. “I feel honored to welcome our national heroes. Men and women have served in different conflicts to defend our values and democracy and today we enjoy these freedoms.”
“Many heroes, like my father who served in the Vietnam War, left their families to arrive in unknown worlds and defend our nation,” continued Soler. “We have to admire their courage, commitment, sacrifices, experiences, and love for our country that marked their lives forever.”
Soler thanks her father for her respect and admiration for all Veterans and their families. “Since I was young, I have always admired and respected our Veterans, because that is what my beloved father taught me,” said Soler.
Mr. Pedro Pagan, the assistant Veterans Advocate, delivered a brief message to all the Veterans that were present on behalf of the Puerto Rico Veterans Advocate, Agustin Montañez.
“It will never be enough to thank you and your families, who also contributed to the sacrifice, for your service,” said Pagan. “November, the month we celebrate the life of all our Veterans, gives us the opportunity to look them head-on and thank them.”
“Our Veterans are a worthy example of courage, dedication, and commitment to our Nation,” said Pagan. “The Veterans Advocate office will continue to fight for the rights of our Veterans community, day in and day out. We are aware that you have sacrificed so much for a better life. May God bless our Veterans, Puerto Rico and the United States of America.”
The new Resident Commissioner-elect also voiced her appreciation for all Veterans and their families. “I want to welcome all our military members, Veterans and family members that have represented our Flag with such honor,” said Gonzalez. “Every November 11, our nation celebrates the work, life, and service of all of those that wear the uniform. Many go where ever they are called upon, either voluntarily or because of a service obligation, and are ready to serve to ensure our peace.”
Gonzalez praised Veterans for their willingness to be first in line to defend the freedom and security of the nation and Puerto Rico in times of conflict. As Resident Commissioner, Gonzalez vows to ensure that all Veterans throughout Puerto Rico will have access to the same benefits and treatment as those Veterans that choose to move to any of the fifty states. “I am very proud and honored for all the work that you have done to ensure that this generation does not fear to have their rights taken away. It is now my turn to defend you.”
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico presented a proclamation in commemoration of Veterans Day. The proclamation serves as a tribute to all the Puerto Rican men and women Veterans both present and absent.
| Date Taken: | 11.11.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 11.16.2016 18:22 |
| Story ID: | 214819 |
| Location: | PR |
| Web Views: | 159 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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