Armed Forces Day celebration brings generations together

ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center honored veterans during Armed Forces Day while also celebrating a young face entering the military.

Vietnam Veteran and former Pa. Secretary of Agriculture Sam Hayes Jr. spoke to the crowd about his time in the service and why it is important to thank veterans for the work that they do.

“Men and women, through the generations, have given their lives to make sure that the rest of us could live free,” Hayes said.

While the crowd was primarily made up of veterans, there was one notable young face in the crowd: Andel Jimenez. He is a high school student entering the Marines after graduating at the end of May. He is a “bit nervous” to enter this new chapter of his life, but is still ready for the opportunity. Celebrating Armed Forces Day means a lot to him as he prepares to enter the military himself.

“If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be standing here today,” Jimenez said.

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It was a positive ceremony and one filled with much reverence for those who came before.

“To the families who have young men and women serving in uniform on this Armed Forces Day, I say thank you,” Hayes said.

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