JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Brooke Army Medical Center held an epic Veterans Day Celebration Nov. 4 featuring patriotic entertainment from local area schools, the San Antonio Spurs Silver Dancers, a tree dedication, health fair and food.
BAMC Commanding General Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Johnson opened the ceremony saying, "Today we are celebrating you -- our military veterans. Even though we are not holding this ceremony on Veterans Day our intent is still the same."
Johnson thanked the veterans for their sacrifices. "Whether you have served or are currently serving in the Army, the Navy, the Marines, the Air Force or the Coast Guard you are all brothers and sisters in arms.
"On this day of remembrance let us pray for those who have fought in and continue to fight our nation's wars and for those who can't be with us today but are in our thoughts," he said.
Along with thanking the veterans, the commander highlighted some of the services BAMC offers military beneficiaries and their family members. He also thanked those who performed and helped put the event together.
There were performances by Losoya Middle School Choir, Woodlake Hills Middle School Orchestra, The Crimson Brigade Drill Team from Jefferson High School, Sam Houston High School Marching Band and Cornerstone Christian School Band.
"I think it's pretty exciting," Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Gary Parker. "I've never got to experience [a ceremony like this] before. It's pretty exciting watching all the different performances by the different bands and marching groups and everything that took place today."
After the performances, the commander and Command Sgt. Maj. Albert Crews dedicated a tree to honor all military veterans.
Veteran Manuel Solis said the ceremony and the way veterans are treated today means a lot to him.
"When we came back from Vietnam we weren't welcomed with open arms," Solis said. "Now I'm so excited about the way these guys come back, the media is there, family members … I'm grateful that the veterans and the GIs are doing good now."
The ceremony was particularly touching to World War II Veteran 97-year-old Louis Jimenez.
"I sure appreciate something like this," Jimenez said. "It's wonderful. I never expecting something like this and everybody has been so kind."
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