SPEECHES HONOR VETS; SIMI EVENT OFFERS THANKS FOR SACRIFICES.

Byline: Sylvia L. Oliande Daily News Staff Writer

A touch of morning rain didn't dampen the enthusiasm to honor American veterans Wednesday, but it did move the ceremony from the open air of Rancho Tapo Community Park to inside the Simi Valley Senior Center.

People of all ages and backgrounds gathered in the dining hall of the center to salute the flag as it was carried in by Boy Scouts and color guards from various area veterans groups.

And they listened as speakers stood at a podium on stage, honoring the many veterans in the room who served in peacetime and in war.

Their speeches ranged from a general appreciation for all who have served to personal accounts of wars gone by in the past 80 years since the first Veterans Day - known originally as Armistice Day for the treaty that ended World War I.

If there was a theme of the day it was the importance of ensuring that younger generations, who may have only heard about war on a grand scale from history books, learn what some have gone through to protect the country's freedoms.

``In this time of . . . peace, my biggest fear is that we, especially our young people, forget what it means to be free,'' said Supervisor Judy Mikels, one of several elected officials on hand. ``We are not yet peaceable. I wish that were true.''

In addition to the Boy Scouts taking part in the ceremony, there were a dozen or so children in attendance with their parents.

One Simi Valley mother said she brings her five children to Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations every year as part of their home schooling.

``My dad lived through the war in Europe as a child, so they know his experience,'' said Sandra Christopher. ``This gives them another perspective.''

Her children, who range in age from 2 to 15, said they enjoy being around the veterans.

``It's important to see these guys,'' said the eldest, Sarah Christopher. ``I like when they tell us their stories. Most veterans keep it all inside and don't talk about it. It's important to show us so that we don't forget. I haven't lived during wars, but they have.''

One of the more emotional accounts came from Capt. Tony Harper of the Simi Valley Police Department. He has no military experience himself, but when he took to the podium, he told a story about ``Reggie,'' a friend who was drafted to fight in Vietnam.

Harper said that while in boot camp, his friend wrote home with tales about his training to spot bombs and other traps set against the U.S. troops by the North Vietnamese and his skill for keeping troops away from them.

The 23-year police veteran had tears in his eyes as he told the audience that his friend was killed by a bomb less than a year after he became a Special Forces Green Beret.

``May we never forget the great sacrifices that were made so that I and my children can enjoy the freedoms that we have,'' he said in conclusion. ``I sincerely love you all. I can never repay you all for what you did.''

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2 Photos

PHOTO (1--Color in Simi Edition only) Members of the VFW Post No. 10049 color guard stand at attention during a Veterans Day event Wednesday in Simi Valley.

(2--Color in Simi Edition only) Anthony Markarian Jr., right, watches Micky Woodman play drums during the recessional of the colors during Wednesday's event in Simi Valley.

Phil McCarten/Daily News