The San Benito County League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is sponsoring the annual Veterans’ Day Breakfast on Nov. 11 from 7 a.m. to noon at the San Benito High School cafeteria. Through this annual recognition breakfast, LULAC is able honor the service and sacrifice of military veterans, the men and women that have served in uniform.
This year, LULAC recognizes two local veterans who have made significant impacts in their community: Bernardo A. “Bernie” Ramirez, served in the U.S. Army. His commendations include: Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Medal “V” for Valor First Oak Leaf Cluster. Ramirez can also be credited for contributing to such projects as: Hollister downtown banners for veterans, a golf tournament fundraiser, quilt recognition of veterans at the San Benito County Fair, helping bring the portable Vietnam Wall to Hollister in 2015, building a deck for Chamberlain’s Children’s home with the assistance of other veterans and sponsoring the annual Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day commemorations at the Veterans Memorial Building.
Our second distinguished honoree is Samuel J. Rivera, a veteran of the U.S. Army. His commendations include having served during the Vietnam War era. He also helped open the U.S. embassy in Macedonia. Soon after, rather than retiring, he accepted a three-year assignment with Lockheed-Martin to help close a military base in Germany. However, the events of Sept. 11, 2001 changed everything and the government decided to keep the base open. Rivera is a past active member of VFW Post 12000 in Germany and local VFW Post 9242. Additionally, he was a member of the local Lions Club from 1990 to 1997.
LULAC commends these and all veterans for their endless contributions to our country.
“Veterans’ service extends beyond the battlefield as many return home to become key figures in their communities. For these and many other reasons, veterans deserve to be recognized,” said Vince Luna, LULAC Veterans’ Committee chair.
A special acknowledgement is also extended to the Veterans’ Day Breakfast sponsors: Allstate Insurance, Farmers Insurance and Walmart.
The LULAC Veterans’ Day Breakfast is geared to veterans, their families, and to the public in general. All are welcome to attend and pay tribute to our local veterans. The cost for the breakfast is $8.