Veterans Ceremony GIF
Members of the San Diego 82nd Airborne Association Color Guard carry in the American Flag.

Southwestern students, faculty and employees gathered for the annual Veterans’ Day ceremony Thursday.

Held in the new venue of the Performing Arts Center Black Box theater because of the inclement weather, the enthusiasm was not dampened. For the first time, two students each received $500 scholarships from the San Diego 82nd Airborne Association. Army Maj. Luis Lopez presented the checks to student veterans Ruben Ramos and Kortney Baecker.

Speakers included Navy veteran Marc Colcleaser, who is the executive assistant to Southwestern College Superintendent/President Dr. Mark Sanchez, and former Southwestern College Governing Board Member and retired Army Sgt. Nick Aguilar.

Former Southwestern College Governing Board Member Nick Aguilar speaking at podium.
Former Southwestern College Governing Board Member and retired Army Sgt. Nick Aguilar served as keynote speaker at this year’s Veterans’ Day Ceremony.

The Southwestern College Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Jazz Vocal Ensemble, under the direction of Prof. Tracy Burklund, performed “I Lift My Lamp,” and the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

[foogallery id=”2886″]