Veterans Remembered on Their Day at CV Veterans Memorial Park
First Sergeant Kathlee Vargas (US Army, retired) addresses the crowd of 100 people at the Castro Valley Veterans Memorial to share her experiences serving in Afghanistan. In 2021, women comprised 17.3 percent of the active-duty force, totaling 231,741 members, and 21.4 percent of the National Guard and reserves at 171,000 members. At right is 10-year-old January Karbowski, who sang the National Anthem.
November 11 was a beautiful Castro Valley morning to remember, celebrate and honor our United States Veterans of the Military at the Castro Valley Veterans Memorial Park on Quail Avenue in Castro Valley. More than one hundred and fifty were in attendance representing veterans who are still alive as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our Great Country. Honored guests in attendance were Air Corps Veteran Joseph Trujillo, who will be one hundred years old in December, and Army Veteran Toft Jeggen, who turned 102 in April!
“Rendering of Honors to Our Veterans” was accomplished multiple times throughout the program starting with Posting of the Flags and ending with the Rifle Salute and Taps in memory of our fallen heroes. VFW Post 9601 Commander Chris Bokamper served as master of ceremonies. American Legion Post 649 Commander Bernard Remoaldo was also present.
Dressed in red, white and blue from the bow in her hair to her boots, ten-year-old January Karbowski sung our National Anthem with talent and enthusiasm well beyond her years. The guest speaker was retired First Sergeant Kathleen Vargas (retired), who served in the US Army for 32 years (14 active and 18 in the reserves). First Sergeant Vargas is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan. Colonel John McPartland, US Army (retired), read “The Watch,” a poem that clearly states the role of our military. VFW Post Chaplain Bruce Bennett prayed the opening Invocation and closing Benediction. All branches of the military were honored by the playing of their anthems with those who served in that branch asked to stand and be honored.
The Castro Valley Veterans Memorial Park is open year-round to the public. Special remembrance events are held every Memorial Day and every Veterans Day at 11:00am. The public is invited. Veterans are encouraged to wear their uniforms or other clothing that distinguishes them as military veterans.
