FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Doug Schultz
Communications Supervisor
626-852-6497
dschultz@citruscollege.edu
Citrus College Honors Military Personnel with Weeklong Celebration
Glendora, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2018) – Community members, local dignitaries and elected officials joined faculty, staff and students in honoring members of the United States armed forces during the 13th annual Saluting Our Veterans ceremony at Citrus College on November 8.
Hosted by Citrus College, in partnership with Azusa Pacific University (APU) and the cities of Azusa and Glendora, Saluting Our Veterans is designed to thank local men and women who have served honorably in the military. This year's event was held in the Citrus College Campus Center Mall, and it featured musical performances, a color guard and a three-volley salute.
Each organization paid tribute to a veteran from their community who has served the country with distinction. The city of Azusa honored Army Sgt. Alfred Aguirre; the city of Glendora honored Marine Corps Sgt. Enrique Madera, Jr.; APU honored Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Welsh, Ph.D.; and Citrus College honored Army Spc. Emmy Madrid.
"Saluting Our Veterans provides Citrus College and its surrounding communities with the opportunity to acknowledge some of our most heroic citizens during a special time of remembrance and appreciation," said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "It is extraordinary that something that began as a small Citrus College event has evolved into an annual ceremony uniting two cities and two institutions of higher education with a common purpose."
This year, Citrus College set aside the week of Monday, Nov. 5, through Friday, Nov. 9, as "Veterans Week." In addition to Saluting Our Veterans, the college hosted a performance by the United States Army Field Band on Nov. 6 in the Citrus College Haugh Performing Arts Center.
The U.S. Army Field Band has four performing components that appear throughout the nation and abroad. The Concert Band, an elite 60-member instrumental group, performed at Citrus College with the Soldiers' Chorus, a prestigious vocal ensemble.
"Citrus College was proud to host the U.S. Army Field Band," continued Dr. Perri. "These talented musicians have performed in all 50 states and at several prominent events, including presidential inaugurations. Welcoming them to the stage of the Haugh Performing Arts Center was an incredible honor."
Dr. Patricia A. Rasmussen, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees, reflected on the college's commitment to serving veterans:
"The fact that Citrus College has the opportunity to host special events, such as Saluting Our Veterans and the U.S. Army Field Band performance, is a source of pride for the college community," she said. "The college is committed to the support of student veterans; it is a privilege to assist members of the military in reaching their academic and professional goals."
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