Veterans honored on 74th anniversary of the end of WWII

FALLBROOK – Fallbrook’s Foundation for Senior Care joined with other nonprofits to host and honor local veterans whose service spanned the most recent five wars on the 74th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Dr. Robert Pace, president of the Foundation for Senior Care and a Navy officer during the Viet Nam-era, welcomed veterans representing the five branches (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy) of the armed forces and their families for a morning of ceremonies.

Active duty and retired members of those branches of the armed forces as well as representatives from the county, state legislature and the U.S. Congress were also on hand to present commemorative certificates to the veterans. In attendance were two veterans of World War II.

According to Keith Birkfeld, the foundation’s executive director, John Cardona’s artwork was featured at the Foundation for Senior Care on South Mission Road in a mini “showing.”

Birkfeld also noted that Ashley McKay, who is on his staff, worked with Elizabeth Hospice and members of the Fallbrook chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars to honor Foundation for Senior Care clients and volunteers who have served the country.

The VFW’s Ladies Auxiliary donated the lunch and Chris Ingram, commander of the Fallbrook post, gave the opening speech.

The event was part of Elizabeth Hospice’s We Honor Veterans program that focuses on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening and grateful acknowledgment.

“On behalf of the board of directors, leadership, staff and volunteers of The Elizabeth Hospice, it is a privilege to spend time with veterans and their families and thank them for their service to our country,” said Jan Jones, CEO of The Elizabeth Hospice. “The Elizabeth Hospice is proud to recognize those who have done our country a great honor, by allowing our organization to thank them at a pinning ceremony.”

For more information about Foundation for Senior Care, visit http://www.foundationforseniorcare.org.

Submitted by Foundation for Senior Care.