Pasadena’s Veterans Day Celebration Doubles As Deployment Send-Off for Local Marines

A thousand Marines from Pasadena’s adopted battalion will soon deploy to the Indo-Pacific region, lending special significance to this year’s Veterans Day celebration at City Hall.

The 10 a.m. November 11 event, at 100 N. Garfield Ave., will feature a distinctive Yellow Ribbon Ceremony, combining traditional veterans’ honors with a formal battalion send-off.

“For 2-23 (2nd Marine Battalion/23rd Marine Regiment) specifically, this yellow ribbon symbolizes a city that is keeping our service and their families in their thoughts and prayers,” said Lt. Col. Ben Phillips, U.S.M.C.

Between 10 and 20 Marines from 2nd Battalion, 23 Marines, which Pasadena formally adopted in 2013, will attend the celebration before joining their unit’s deployment.

“A vast majority of the members of our battalion are citizen soldiers,” Phillips said, noting many serve as police officers, firefighters, federal agents and teachers.

The Veterans day ceremony will feature Colonel Juan M. Mora, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army 40th Infantry Division, who described military service as a profound commitment that extends beyond individuals.

“This profession of arms, it’s a calling [to] those that answer that call, just like it could be being a teacher or a preacher,” Mora said. “The unsung heroes are pretty much our families… many of us understand that when we serve, by default, our family serves.”

The celebration, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., will include a Condor Squadron flyover at 11:11 a.m. and military exhibits around City Hall. Activities and exhibits will be available for both adults and children, with free hot dogs served by Pasadena Fire Fighters Local 809.

James Zenner, Director of Los Angeles County Military and Veteran Affairs, noted that after two years upon discharge, 80% of those veterans have left their first job.

“Local events like this go a long way of letting veterans know you guys belong and you’re a valued piece of the community and we’re proud of you and we support you. It’s pretty big,” Zenner said.

The City’s event, supported by Los Angeles County Supervisor Barger’s office, the Rose Bowl Stadium, and Pasadena Management Association, will also feature various military organization booths.

Exhibits will include displays from the California State Guard, Military Museum, Martin Severance Chapter NSDAR, Veteran and Military Affairs, and U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, with Pasadena Fire Fighters Local 809 providing refreshments.

“Experience matters and we’re continuously learning from those that have gone before us,” Phillips said, crediting local Marine Corps leagues and American Legion support.

The event is open to the public.