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| THE COLONY NEWS | NOVEMBER 2024 | 17 By Linda Santana "Every waving ag, hand-covered heart, and deeply felt prayer, asking God to Bless America is a declaration of thanks to all those who have served." ~ Author Unknown Veterans… They were the boots on the ground, the wings in the skies, the anchors aweigh from sea to shining sea, and they were young. Wartime events and years of service do not separate veterans. They say "it's been a long time" but their eyes say yesterday. Without a word they understand each other: "Leave No Man Behind" is who they are. The spirit of "brothers in arms" was clearly present when our Colony veterans were shining examples of what it truly means to serve and sacrifice for our country. Representing theatres — in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm — The Colony veterans were one under a crown of swords presented by the Vista Murrieta High School AFROTC. Truly iconic, remembrances of the past, honoring the present and a glimpse of the future dominated the moments. We saw what freedom looks like, and time stood still. WWII a global cataclysm… Veterans are "those who answered when duty called." Ken Weinke, WWII, United States Army A brotherhood like no other… "I am thankful for the veterans' events this year: It is an honor for me to represent the Korean War along with the other veterans." John Cosola, Korea, United States Navy A long-awaited "Welcome Home"… "This event is very important to me. When veterans returned from Vietnam, we were not given a welcome home, recognition or gratitude for our services protecting our country we loved and believed in." Patrick Goral, Vietnam, United States Marines Weathering the Storm… The United States Navy was key to victory in the Persian Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm) which set the fleet on a new course for a new strategic era. Charlie Craven, Desert Storm, Navy Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11. This year, for the first time in five years, The Colony is "bringing our veterans home" to honor them, to thank them, to celebrate them, to remember them. Our Colony veterans and non-military residents will be like beacons of light; united and shining examples of what it truly means to belong to the land of the free, and the home of the brave. "Honoring All Who Served" is the theme for the event, which features a formal military-themed program with a veteran's slideshow, followed by a wine toast to veterans, dinner, dessert and dancing to a live orchestra. This is a 'dressy event' OPEN to ALL Colony residents, both veterans and non-military, with your choice of semi-formal or formal attire. Clubhouse doors open 4:30 pm. See you there! Honoring All Who Served Photo by Vallorie Hillerich