At 19, Vernon Mull faced limited job opportunities. Driven by a desire to see the world and build a future, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1958.
“I loved the freedom and the comradery of the other people,” said Mull. “There’s never hostility towards one another, just a lot of brotherhood.”
On Monday, Mull was one of the several veterans, family members, youth groups and city officials who gathered at the American Legion Post 105 in Redwood City for the annual Veterans Day celebration. The ceremony was initially planned before Courthouse Square in Redwood City. However, due to rain on Monday, the event was moved indoors at the American Legion Post 105.
The ceremony opened with a moment of silence to recognize Armistice Day–when fighting ceased for World War I on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour.
A number of local dignitaries attended the celebration, including Priscilla Molina, a representative for U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin, California District 21 Assembly member Diane Papan, Redwood City Vice Mayor Lissette Espinoza-Garnica, Redwood City Council member Diane Howard and former council member Diana Reddy.
Molina and Papan each spoke briefly, thanking veterans for their service and commitment to the country.
“Spirit of service is the hallmark of veterans,” said Papan during her speech, recalling her father’s service in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force.
Cmdr. George Smith provided a historical perspective on Veterans Day, recounting how the holiday evolved from Armistice Day, established to honor soldiers, into a day dedicated to recognizing all veterans.
Ed Kiryczun, from the San Mateo County Veterans Services Office, was the keynote speaker.
During his speech, he shared his father’s story, who narrowly avoided being deployed to Vietnam because someone else stepped up in his place.
“Since 1973, no family, no mother, no father, no brother, no sister, no best friend, has had to worry about a letter coming in the mail that says – Please report for your physical induction into United States Armed Services,” Kiryczun added. “And the reason for that is because somewhere out there, somebody else’s mother or father, sister or brother, best friend stood up and said – I’ll go instead.”
He concluded by expressing gratitude for the privilege of serving his nation and helping veterans through his role in the County Office.
Espinoza-Garnica presented a proclamation on behalf of the Redwood City Council, declaring November as Veterans and Military Families Month. The proclamation praised veterans’ service, including the support that the American Legion Post 105 provides to military families year-round.
Towards the ceremony’s end, Veterans from all branches of the military—Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guards, and Air Force—were recognized while the Newark Wind Symphony played the armed forces medley.
Youth participation added to the celebration, with Redwood City’s Kennedy Junior High Band performing live music before the official ceremony began. The mMid-Peninsula Girl Scouts Troop also attended and distributed 100 thank-you cards to veterans.
Dorie Bonal, another U.S. Navy Veteran present, shared her story with the Pulse.
“I enlisted when only about 9% of women were joining the military,” she said. “And there were only eight ships that accepted women.”
She started out as a Yeoman, performing clerical and administrative duties and eventually retired as a courtroom clerk from the Superior Court of San Mateo County.
Bonal added that the most rewarding aspect of her service was gaining independence and learning to navigate life without relying on her family.
“Just because I struggled in high school didn’t mean that I couldn’t excel once I got out there in the real world,” she said.
“Just because I struggled in high school didn’t mean that I couldn’t excel once I got out there in the real world,” she said.
As for Mull, celebrating Veterans Day is a way to honor his family members—including his father and brothers—who served in every military branch except the Air Force.
