TR Robertson – Thousands of Veterans Day Celebrations took place across the nation on Wednesday in commemoration of the federal holiday. Originally called Armistice Day, in honor of those who served in WW I, the day was changed in 1954 to Veterans Day in honor of all currently living veterans. Parades, speeches, 5K’s and a myriad of other celebrations were held in cities large and small to honor the veteran service men and women from all branches of the armed services. For Vista, the Veterans Day celebration was highlighted by presentations by the Mayor and City Councilmembers, remarks from service club dignitaries, and a keynote speaker. Along with this, presentations were made to veterans attending and several special were awarded. The Salute to Service: Vista Veterans Day was held near The Veterans Memorial Park and the Ernie Pinamonti Memorial Park bronze statue display. Ernie was a U.S. Marine killed during the Vietnam War. Ernie’s siblings, Mary Ann and Rico, worked with the City of Vista, designing the park. The park was constructed by Affirmed Housing and the Pinamonti family. The statue was sculpted by Rip Caswell using photographs of Ernie. Surrounding the statue and small pond are engraved tiles featuring letters written by Ernie and other service members during the Vietnam War.
Color Guard from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39
Vista Mayor John Franklin began the celebration by introducing the Posting of the Colors by the color guard from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39, “Hellhounds”, MAG 39. The National Anthem was sung by Irelynn TerraNami. Next Boy Scout Troop 704 was introduced and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. An Invocation was given by Chaplain Jason DiPinto, Commander, United States Navy, 111 Marine Aircraft Wing, MCAS Miramar.
Mayor John Franklin gave some opening remarks, speaking about the importance of Veterans Day and the significance of current service men and women and veterans in our communities. He then explained that he and the Vista City Council members would be sharing sections of letters written by service men and women from different conflicts the United States had been involved in. The significance of the letters that service members sent to family members and loved ones, regardless of the war it was written in, pointed to the contact, reaction and importance of the letters these people had to whatever situation they were in. The Mayor read from a letter written by a Union soldier during the Civil War. Following this, each City Councilmember spoke about importance of Veterans Day and read from selected letters. Deputy Mayor Daniel O’Donnell read from Civil War soldiers’ letter; Councilmember Corinna Contreras read from a WW I U.S. nurse’s letter; Councilmember Katie Melendez read from a Vietnam War U.S. nurse’s letter; and Councilmember Jeff Fox read from a letter written by a U.S. soldier during the Vietnam War.
- Color Guard from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39
The next portion of the Salute to Service was the presentation of Challenge Coins to all veterans commemorating the City’s Salute to Service Ceremony. All veterans in attendance were asked to line up, shake hands with Assistant City Manager Imelda Huerta, City Manager John Conley, the Vista City Councilmembers, the Deputy Mayor and Mayor Franklin. The Mayor then passed out a coin to each veteran as he shook their hand.
The Mayor next introduced Paul Krueger, Post Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7041 and Tom Moore, District 22 Commander, San Diego County, American Legion Department of California, Post Commander American Legion Post 365. Both gentlemen commended all veterans who had served and spoke about the significance of their organizations in assisting veterans and remembering their contributions to the nation.
The Keynote speaker for today’s event was introduced by Mayor Franklin. Speaking to those in attendance was Brigadier General Nick I. Brown, Commanding General Marine Corps Installations, West Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. Brigadier General Brown began by reminding all veterans to keep up the good work they were doing in the community. He congratulated Marine Corps veterans and active-duty personnel for continuing to protect our liberties and freedoms. He said Veterans Day is a special day to honor and thank former service men and women for their service to the United States regardless of the branch of service they had been a part of. The Brigadier General jokingly told the veterans to enjoy the free meals they might get today and said he certainly would. He also reminded everyone that there are many veterans who are having a difficult time, living on the streets and in shelters, suffering from PTSD, veterans who need help. Everyone was also asked to listen to the stories these veterans tell us. Stories that are fascinating, maybe a little embellished, but stories that make up the service they have given to the nation.
The final part of the Salute to Service: Vista Veterans Day was the Presentation of Awards. Mayor Franklin presented two 2026 Valor in Action Awards. One was presented to Terry Moxley and one to Lt. Colonel Steven Miller (Ret.). The 2026 Distinguished Service Award was presented to Brigadier General Nick I. Brown, Commanding General Marine Corps Installation West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
Mayor Franklin then asked the audience to stand for the playing of Taps and the Retirement of the Colors, bringing to a close another Veterans Day ceremony.
