A group of veterans and residents gathered in La Palma this week to celebrate Veterans Appreciation Day, according to City Council member Janet Keo Conklin.
She said the event was held at the city’s park and featured guest speakers, including Corey Vigil, Veteran Service Officer from American Legion Post 291 in Newport Beach, Daniel Morones, Community Services Manager for Habit for Humanity Orange County and La Palma’s own Vietnam veteran Jack L.
Amsell, Chief Instructor at American Moo-Do Kwan.
She said members and families from all branches of the U.S. military came to enjoy fellowship and some great Mexican food.
Keo Conklin said Vigil spoke about the Legion post in Newport Beach and what it can offer veterans, Morones shared information about homeownership and other housing resources for veterans and Amsell spoke about his experiences in Vietnam and about the military value of his martial arts training.
“I still remember my first viewing of Platoon and how emotionally affecting it was,” said Amsell in his Veterans Day message. “I think now, looking back, we did not fight the enemy, we fought ourselves. The war is over for me now, but it will always be there,” the La Palma veteran said.
Chad Berlinghieri, an opera singer and founder of the Seal Beach Symphony performed the national anthem for the event, she said.
Keo Conklin said she hopes the event will become an annual tradition in the city.