On November 11, Veterans Day, the city of Irvine in Orange County commemorated its annual tradition at the Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park to honor both active duty and retired military personnel.
Dozens of veterans along with many residents attended the event, where city council members were present. The Irvine Police Department Color Guard displayed military flags, while the Concordia University Irvine campus band performed the national anthem. As Ron Anderson and a youth musician ensemble played the “Armed Forces Salute,” veterans from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force stood up one after another. The residents warmly applauded these veterans from the four branches for their service.
Inside the park’s gallery, about twenty photos and introductions of decorated soldiers were displayed, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield. The park is named after Colonel Bill Barber, an Irvine resident who served in World War II and the Korean War, recognized for his steadfast belief and courage that were crucial in successfully evacuating troops from dangerous zones.
Since World War II, Irvine has been the home of the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, where many servicemen have served. The airport was in operation until 1999 when it was returned to the local community.
Mayor Larry Agland, in his address, mentioned that according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are currently over 15 million veterans in the United States who have served in wartime and peacetime to defend the nation. He specifically honored the nearly 100,000 veterans residing in Orange County.
“Commemorating important military anniversaries is a tradition of the city of Irvine,” said Agland. In 2025, it marks the 15th anniversary of the end of the Iraq War and the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War, which lasted for 20 years. He noted that 1945 saw the end of World War II with the surrender of the German forces, marking 80 years since that historic event.
The Disabled American Veterans Organization celebrates its 105th anniversary this year, advocating for the rights of disabled veterans and ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve, raising awareness of the sacrifices they have made.
Agland also highlighted that 2025 marks the 240th anniversary of the founding of the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Since 1790, the USCG has been safeguarding America’s coastlines, saving numerous lives, and protecting U.S. maritime interests globally.
Furthermore, he mentioned, “This year, the United States proudly celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, the three branches that have been established since the early days of the nation, boasting a long and illustrious history.”
Lieutenant Colonel Clark-Christopher Unger of the Marine Corps’ 1st Division, who has been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, expressed gratitude for Irvine’s generous support to combat personnel over the decades, especially to the 800 Marines. He remarked, “Your support, care, and trust strengthen our resolve.”
Unger said, “Each year, we gather here to pause, reflect on the past, and express gratitude; Veterans Day serves as a moment to honor those who have served and sacrificed.” He quoted writer G.K. Chesterton, saying that a true soldier does not fight out of hatred for the enemy before him but out of love for the homeland behind him.
“That love sustains young Marines traversing the perilous battlefields of Afghanistan, pilots soaring over Iraq, soldiers navigating the vast Pacific Ocean, and Coast Guardsmen bravely boarding high-speed drug smuggling vessels,” Unger remarked. “Service requires determination, the ability to stand steadfast amidst the changing tides of the world. Military personnel understand deeply that freedom is not inherent, and defending peace often comes at a great cost.”
The peace that people enjoy today is the result of the valor and resilience of our predecessors, earned through innumerable battles.
Fred Walker, a veteran who served in the Marine Corps for six years stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, and Jean Caplan, who served six years in the Air Force, both shared their thoughts. Walker emphasized that as a citizen, he remains actively engaged in governmental affairs, participating in city council meetings.