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They came from all over Alameda County. Some stood at attention in their service uniforms, caps adorned with patches and gold cording, while others sat at attention in their motorized wheelchairs.  

They stood straight and tall, only slightly different from their youth, wrinkles and white hair a testament to their lives after service for their country. Others, who died in the line of duty, were not there in body, but perhaps in spirit.  

Under a dark morning sky, the county of Alameda honored all veterans who served at the 48th annual Veterans Day ceremony at Alameda Veterans Memorial Park on Sunday.  

Mark Raymond Chandler, chair of the Alameda County Veterans Affairs Commission, welcomed the small crowd of approximately 200 veterans and their families and friends. Speakers included state Assemblywoman Wilma Chan, D-Oakland, local and state officials as well as active duty military. 

“Our most precious resource is our seniors … and in our hearts we will say, ‘God bless America,’” said Chandler as he read from an article on patriotism. 

Amidst a huge flag flying in the rain-kissed breeze, an assortment of California’s veterans gathered to pay tribute to those who had served and returned, as well as those who had fallen during their years of service to the United States in World War I, World War II, and the Korean, Vietnam, Panama and Persian Gulf wars.  

The theme this year was veteran women in the military, and Connie Guaraglia was one of the women honored.  

“I am a woman marine,” Guaraglia said.  

Her vest was adorned with patches and buttons which reflected her dedication to the United States military. For 12 years, Guaraglia was president of the Associated Chapter of Women Marines for the Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area. Guaraglia had three brothers to serve in the military, and offered young women deciding to go into the marines a bit of advice if.  

“It would be the best thing she did. Marines stick together, they’re a community. We call each other sister Marine and brother Marine. It is a good choice, and you’ll never be alone,” she said. 

Also recognized were “Gold Star Mothers,” a group of women who lost family members in the war. As a sign of respect of the loved ones lost, silence followed their introduction as the women stood. 

Many of the speakers said the national anthem took on a special meaning following the Sept. 11 events in New York and Washington D.C., and the sight of venerable veterans saluting the flag as the color guard posted the colors brought some audience members to tears. 

While most of the veterans in attendance were seniors, there were Vietnam veterans there, to pay their respects and to “give back,” said Kenneth Stevens, who works with homeless veterans with the Homeless Vet Emergency Housing Facility in Menlo Park.  

Stevens did two tours in Vietnam and said he got caught up in a turbulent period after he returned stateside. He now has 11 months of sobriety. 

“I feel like I’ve come too far to go back now,” he said as he described how he helps other veterans. 

These days he is working with homeless veterans and said he wants to help others. 

Vice Admiral Ernest Riutta, commander of the Pacific Area 11th Coast Guard District, reminded the audience that Americans are “those who enjoy the blessings of freedom,” but that freedom came with a price. He also praised those currently serving their country, including his two sons who are pilots in active duty.  

The ceremony included essays by local high school students and Agatha De La Cruz, a sophomore at UC Berkeley, who has been recognized for her academic achievements and volunteerism by veterans groups.  

Native American dancers from the Miami, Mohawk, and Payute nations danced ceremonial dances and sang memorial songs for those who have given their lives in battle, the latest song was written during Desert Storm.  

Josef Perdiguerra, a member of the dance group, said that Native Americans had sometimes fought against the flag, but now there are Native Americans in the military ranks who now fight for freedom under the same flag. 

Several of the speakers used the phrase “ultimate sacrifice” in their speeches when describing Americans who have died either in combat or while on active duty.