Citrus College honors military personnel with weeklong celebration
This year, Citrus College designated Nov. 5 through Nov. 9 as "Veterans Week." To mark the occasion, the college hosted two memorable events.
The first was a performance by the United States Army Field Band. Held in the Haugh Performing Arts Center on Nov. 6, the free concert featured the Concert Band, an elite 60-member instrumental group, as well as the Soldiers' Chorus, a prestigious vocal ensemble.
"Citrus College was proud to host the U.S. Army Field Band," said the college superintendent/president. "These talented musicians have performed in all 50 states and at several prominent events, including presidential inaugurations. Welcoming them to the stage was an incredible honor."
The second event was the 13th annual Saluting Our Veterans celebration. Community members and local dignitaries joined faculty, staff and students in honoring members of the United States armed forces.
Hosted by Citrus College, in partnership with Azusa Pacific University and the cities of Azusa and Glendora, Saluting Our Veterans is designed to recognize and thank local men and women who have served honorably in the military.
During the celebration, each of the hosting organizations paid tribute to a veteran from their community who has served the country with distinction. Citrus College honored Army Spc. Emmy Madrid, a secretary in the college's disabled student programs and services office.
"Saluting Our Veterans provides the college and its communities with the opportunity to acknowledge some of our most heroic citizens," state the superintendent/president. "Ms. Madrid's four years of military service and 13 years of volunteer work with the Glendora Yellow Ribbon Project made her the perfect honoree."
Dr. Patricia A. Rasmussen, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees, reflected on Veterans Week at Citrus College: "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."
This article originally appeared in the December 2018 edition of the Citrus View.