Honoring those who served

Huntington pays tribute to veterans. ‘It’s OK to have a tear in your eye,’ Legion leader says.Hidden from traffic on the busy boardwalk Friday -- where kids enjoying the day off from school Rollerbladed, shopped and strutted their latest fashions -- an older crowd was tucked away in Huntington’s Pier Plaza to mark Veterans Day.

Veterans and politicians addressed an audience of about 300, many of whom wore caps adorned with pins and medals signifying military units and heroic deeds.

An empty chair was placed beside the speaker’s microphone to honor those missing in action.

“It’s OK to have a tear in your eye,” said Dennis Bauer, commander of Huntington’s American Legion Post 133. The beach scene of children and surfers outside the plaza inspired thoughts of freedom and were a reminder of what veterans fought and died for, he said.

“I’m very proud to see veterans here,” Bauer said.

State Assemblyman Tom Harman also addressed the audience.

He served as a lieutenant in an Army artillery battalion; his unit shipped out to Vietnam fewer than 90 days after he was discharged, he said.

U.S. Congressman Dana Rohrabacher credited veterans for fighting for ideals set by the country’s forefathers and helping to create the free world we live in today. Rohrabacher also honored those currently serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Local veterans in attendance were struck with mixed emotions of pride and sorrow.

Ken Roberts, who served with the Navy on a destroyer in the Pacific from 1955 to 1958, said “there’s something unique about being in the service. You put a uniform on, but you never really take it off.”

World War II and Korea veteran Mickey Pitre agreed.

“It seems like we’ve become one blood,” Pitre said. “The other day I heard from a friend I hadn’t heard from in 60 years. I cried. It meant more to me than anything.”

Pat Mertens came to honor her nephew, who died two years ago in Iraq. He was a helicopter pilot.

Veterans Day for Mertens means reaffirming her understanding that we could lose all of our freedom without those who fight.

Leo Ruiz, a Mexican-born Huntington Beach resident, served as an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force and Navy for 32 years. He came to the ceremony to honor those he served with and those who gave their lives, he said.

20051117iq2jmmkn(LA)Mike Ali of American Legion Post 133 prepares to retire the colors following the singing of “Amazing Grace” during Veterans Day ceremonies at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach. Below right, members of the American Legion Color Guard -- Bob Davis, Bob Murray and Dennis Bauer -- stand at attention during the playing of the National Anthem. 20051117iq2jnskn(LA)Medals adorn the American Legion cap of veteran Dave Rosenfeild. 20051117iq2jnaknPHOTOS BY DON LEACH / INDEPENDENT