PHOENIX – Mason, Ariz., resident Jennett Vega already has one nephew serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. A second, 17-year-old Gabriel Valdez, will soon head off to boot camp in the U.S. Marine Corps. Vega didn’t see the older nephew’s swearing-in ceremony. But thanks to The American Legion, she had arena seats to witness the younger man’s ceremony.
Valdez and more than 600 current or soon-to-be soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines stood before thousands of Legionnaires, raised their right hands and swore to defend their nation. They took part in a massive enlistment/reenlistment ceremony at US Airways Center, home of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, on Aug. 24 as part of “The American Legion Family’s Tribute to Service.” The event took place during the organization’s 90th National Convention in Phoenix.
“I think this is great,’ Vega said. “His older brother had a private ceremony, and I wasn’t able to watch that. Seeing (Gabriel) sworn is really pretty special.”
Brig Gen Colangelo, assistant adjutant general of the Arizona National Guard and commander of the Arizona Air National Guard, administered the oath.
“I’ve done my share of swearing-ins over the years, but already I am emotional,” Colangelo said before the ceremony. “The American Legion has done an awesome job putting this together. What makes us the strongest military in the world is standing right of you today.”
American Legion National Commander Marty Conatser asked the crowd, “You want to know what’s good about America? It’s standing right there.”
To the young troops, he offered words of understanding. “We, like generations before us, know the commitment you are making. All of us in The American Legion family have either taken that same oath or represent the families of those who have served before you. You all know the challenges facing our world today, and the role you will play in the defense of freedom everywhere in the free world. And yet you willingly make this commitment to us and to your nation. For that, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. From this day forward, you will hold a special place in our hearts and minds. From this day forward you will become our brothers and sisters in arms, our comrades.”
Due to the heat, the American Legion Family Tribute to Service replaced the traditional American Legion National Convention Parade. Representatives from all American Legion departments marched before the crowd at the arena. The event also included performances by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, along with music from The Four Tops and Michael Peterson.
Comments (1)
This was one of the best parts of the Convention. this was my first convention and it made me proud to be an American and a Son of The American Legion. To see our fathers stand up and reaffirm their pledge of service to America was so awesome. I was proud of all 600 enlistees.
Posted by Kevin I. Ivery | 08/27/08 8:02 AM |