November 17, 2011

The Msgr John Hurley Council 3601 in partnership with the Cardinal McIntyre Assembly Color Corp honored all our veteran members this day.

The ceremony commenced with the Color Corp marching in and posting the colors, the pledge of allegiance was then recited followed by the sounds of “Reveille” being played by Sir Knight Teddy Ortega.

The Grand Knight Oscar Garcia proceeded to then ask all veterans present to “Fall In”. A Roll call of all brother veterans in attendance was taken, the names, rank, and branch of service were then given.

The veterans were then “inspected” by 1st Lieutenant Ed Tinsley accompanied by Grand Knight Oscar Garcia. All veterans passed inspection with flying colors. Our veterans were given a big round of applause and thanked for their service. A service that gives us the freedom and liberty we enjoy today.

Our veterans were then dismissed and asked to return to their seats to rejoin their families for the second portion of the evenings festivities.

SK Tom McDyer our special honoree, was then called out and escorted by the Color Corp to the lectern. Sir Knight Ed Tinsley 1st Lieutenant US Army read a citation from Congressman Brad Sherman and presented Tom with a flag that had flown over our nations capitol. On May 8th 2011.

Grand Knight Oscar Garcia then presented Tom with a framed picture of the USS Mansfield, the ship that Tom McDyer served on during WWII.

Following the ceremonies, the guests were treated to a wonderful potluck dinner of Chicken, Salad, and Desserts.

Our Color Corp Commander Cesar Hernando asked to say a few words. On behalf of all the Filipino brothers in attendance, Cesar gave his heartfelt thanks to the veterans in attendance who fought in the Philippines during WWII. He said, “If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t be here today”. It was a very touching end to a wonderful ceremony.

Thanks go out to Grand Knight Oscar Garcia for organizing this great tribute to our veterans.