PBSC celebrates veterans with special ceremony

More than 100 people gathered at Palm Beach State College’s Lake Worth campus Nov. 7 to honor students, employees and community members who have served in the military.

“Military veterans are the epitome of selfless service and patriotism to this nation. They are committed to putting their lives on the line when they go off to serve,” said keynote speaker John L. Estrada, 15th Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps. He was the nation’s highest-ranking enlisted Marine, from 2003 to 2007, and retired from the Marines after 34 years of service.

The Veterans Day Celebration was part of the College’s annual Veterans Day events which support and honor veterans in the community.

“We want to encourage our younger members here, the ROTC, that it’s all about giving and serving,” said Maria Brown, sergeant at arms of the American Legion Post 164.

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is a leadership development program that helps students gain professional skills and prepare for service in the military.

Brown served 26 years in the Air Force. “Everything is about our country,” she said. “Our country has given us so much.”

Luis Torres, Director of PBSC Veteran Services, gave PBSC students who served in the military challenge coins, cords, and stoles to wear at commencement.

The celebration also included special presentations by the American Legion Post 164, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5335 and the Lake Worth Community High School ROTC Color Guard. The national anthem was sung by students from the Boynton Beach Community High School Tiger Chorus.

Activities will continue next week with a Veterans Day Breakfast Social Nov. 12 at 9 a.m. at HT-103 on the Boca Raton campus. The College is also hosting a Veterans Day Presentation Nov. 13 at 12:30 p.m. at LGA 139 on the Loxahatchee Groves campus.

To view more photos of the event, click here.