All branches of the military services were well represented during Skyline College’s celebration of Veterans Day Tuesday, Nov. 11.

The celebration started at 11:30 a.m. with the members of the Skyline Veterans Club Posting of Colors on the main stage. That was followed by a beautiful rendition of the United States National Anthem sung by Skyline students.

The celebration is meant to provide a ceremony honoring U.S. veterans.

Dr. Regina Stanback-Stroud, the president of Skyline College, spoke about being part of a military family and her desire to thank the veterans for their service. Dr. Stroud emphasized the importance of education and the programs and resources that Skyline offers to veteran students.

“I personally believe we can strive for a day of peace,” Dr. Stroud said.

The feeling of patriotism ran strong in the crowd. There were displays of military gear with the veterans explaining the specific purpose of each item. Some of the items included a flak jacket used for protection during combat, and a first aid kit that each soldier carries. The students were welcomed to try on the flak jacket and to examine every item on display.

Sargent Jose Luis Sanchez joined the Marines when he was 17 years old and he served for nine years. “To be an American you have to earn it,” he said. “I wanted to do something for the country that did so much for me.” Sargent Sanchez is a former student at Skyline and joined the celebration with his brothers-in-arms.

The Veterans Club raised funds by selling pizza to the attendees. There was a competition to see who could eat the most crackers that are usually found in an M.R.E. An M.R.E is a “meal ready to eat” given to soldiers by the military. It contains pre-cooked food that can be quickly consumed in any situation.

The dance club honored the veterans by performing a dance while dressed in fatigues.

Edward Tellez, the president of the Veterans Club, explained the significance of the November 11th day as the end of World War I – originally known as Armistice Day – later renamed Veterans Day and made into a National Holiday by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. To Tellez the most significant thing to remember about Veterans Day is peace.

“The hungry wants food, the homeless wants shelter,” Tellez said. “Nobody wants peace more than a veteran.”