Each year, Veteran’s Day means nationwide celebrations for those who have served our country and put their lives on the line — from pinning ceremonies with elected officials to luncheons and special moments with families and community members.
With the COVID-19 pandemic canceling so many community events, Americans had to get creative and find new ways to honor our more than 17 million veterans.
Aegis Living, an assisted living and memory care community in Aptos, orchestrated a Veteran’s Day car parade in partnership with Hospice of Santa Cruz County to honor 16 veterans who are residents at the community.
“I’m proud to be an American and to have served my country,” said Karen Kirk, a former Air Force major living at Aegis. “It touches my heart to see Aegis do something so special to celebrate the brave men and women who have served before, during and after me.”
Local volunteers decorated a car for each of the 16 veterans — ribbons, flags, handmade posters and signs — and drove through the community honking, waving, and thanking them as they sat outside, distanced but soaking up the moment. Each veteran had the opportunity for a pinning ceremony and received a certificate of honor.
A Zoom call connecting more than 300 veterans at Aegis communities on the West Coast topped off the day. The Zoom call included a tribute to each man and woman for their service and a musical performance by the Memphis Belles.
“Veteran’s Day is very near and dear to my heart,” said Aegis Living Life Enrichment Director Amanda Bartel. “It means so much to me to be able to do what I can to make the day special in honoring every single brave man and woman who have served this country and those who gave their lives. With a grateful heart, I say thank you for your sacrifice, for your service and for freedom.”
Veterans honored at Aegis Living Aptos are: Robert “Bob” Berke — Navy, Elwood “EP” Baylor — Army Air Corp/Force, Joe Dias — Army Air Corp/Force, Howard Ellinwood — Navy, William “Bill” Hughes — Army, Harley Wilson — Navy, Karen Kirk — Air Force major, Samuel Hoffman- Navy, Carlos Baker — Navy, Jack Jaquith — Navy, Tony Arnedo — Coast Guard, William Presley — Air Force, Norm Tracy — Navy, Craig Garman — Air Force, Ken Ferrell — Navy and Navy Reserves, and Joseph Tummillo — Navy Reserves.
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Photos courtesy of Aegis Living Aptos