Honoring Aliso Viejo’s Veterans

For the first time in the four years that Aliso Viejo has honored Veteran’s Day, the recognition ceremony was given its own night and venue.

Previously, local veterans were recognized for their services before city council meetings. This year veterans gathered at the where they received a buffet, a certificate on behalf of the residents of Aliso Viejo and a 10th anniversary challenge coin marking the city’s incorporation.

“We wanted to allow people the time to be able to enjoy themselves,” said . “We wanted to focus and just make it all about the veterans.” 

The evening began as members of Boy Scout troop 700 delivered the posting of the colors and lead the pledge of allegiance. Emily Miller, a sixth grade student at Don Juan Avila Elementary School, sang the national anthem and Cave presented 21 certificates to the veterans at the ceremony. According to Karen Crocker, director of community services, a total of 180 certificates were signed by the mayor and will be mailed.

Aviation electronic technician Walt Diem and Sergeant David Cobb were among the veterans who accepted their certificates to the sound of applause. They thanked the mayor and even spoke about their military careers to the attendees.

Tears came to the eyes of Battle of the Bulge veteran and Purple Heart recipient Edward F. Pazdur as he retold his amazing story. He remembered hiding in the foxholes, facing and escaping the menacing German tank — “King Tiger,” almost losing his right arm and being one of the first people ever saved by penicillin.

“I’m pleased and angry,” said Pazdur. “I’m pleased because they’re doing [honoring ceremonies] and I’m angry because it took so goddamn long,” he said.

Pazdur said he feels the average American doesn’t remember or care for the veterans.

“Nobody’s ever shown any appreciation. World War II and the Korean War — those were very vicious wars and we lost so many people and you don’t hear anything about it. A movie once in a while,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, he thanked Cave for honoring and remembering the veterans he thought were long forgotten.

After the certificate ceremony, attendees celebrated the 236th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. The youngest, Gracie Duran, and the eldest, Steve Pellegrino, Marine Corps veterans cut the cake along with Cave and

“We want to thank people for their service because for some it wasn’t a choice and for others it is a choice and a passion, so regardless, we want to say thank you for your services and we appreciate what you’ve done,”  Cave said.