EIGHTH-GRADER CLAIRE Kurkjian may have started a tradition at St. Bonaventure School in Huntington Beach. Her father, Captain Bob Kurkjian, USN, served tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bahrain and is currently stationed in Ventura County. Last year Claire organized a special Veterans Day tribute to honor her dad and all people who have served in the armed forces.
Now in its second year, the Veterans Day tribute honored 27 veterans who served from the Korean War to three currently in active duty. All the veterans are related to either students, faculty or parishioners at St. Bonaventure.
“I think it is important to honor our veterans and thank the people who have protected our freedom,” said Claire, who brought the idea to the school administration last year.
This year, in addition to honoring the veterans, the students gave each service member handmade certificates thanking them for their service.
Former PFC Benjamin Vargas served in the Army for three years, including one year in Vietnam in 1968.
“I was newly married when the Army sent me to Vietnam for a year,” recalled the former Army Psychological Operations (PSYOP) Soldier. “I didn’t see my newborn son until he was six months old.”
Terrance Strouse was stationed in the city of Hue, the site of some of the fiercest fighting during the Vietnamese Tet Offensive and the Battle of Hue from 1968–1969.
“I served in the 101st Army Airborne Division,” he shared. “I was in Vietnam exactly three years, one month and seven days.”
The oldest veteran was William Egelin, who served in the Marine Corps during the early stages of the Korean War beginning in 1947. He was stationed aboard the USS Toledo and operated a 20mm cannon.
Captain Kurkjian served as master of ceremonies and highlighted the benefits students might consider when contemplating a military career.
“No matter what you want to do in life, I guarantee it happens in the military,” said the 21-year Navy veteran. “I have great memories of my time in the service, great friends and I highly recommend each of you consider what the military can offer as a career.”
St. Bonaventure’s pastor, Fr. Vincent Pham, gave a blessing and special prayers for the military assembled on campus. Principal Dr. Richard Yoon greeted the assembly and family members gathered to celebrate the military heroes. The school’s Scout Troop 227, led by Jordan Nguyen, led the flag salute and served as color guard for the flag ceremony. The school choir sang “America the Beautiful” and Charlie Sabovich, a trumpeter, concluded the ceremony with the traditional end-of-day Taps.
Principal Yoon is optimistic the Veterans Day tribute will become an annual event.
“As a school community, it’s an honor to recognize and celebrate our veterans in front of our students. Teaching our young people about the sacrifices made by those who have served in our military is not only an opportunity to express our gratitude, but also an important lesson in respect, service, and patriotism. This tradition is one we will proudly continue, ensuring that the stories and contributions of our veterans are never forgotten.”