Heroes Hall party celebrates Army’s 244 years

From left, Nick Giordano of American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291, Post 291 3rd Vice Commander Sandy Schneeberger and Brig. Gen. Denton Knapp, commander of the Army component of the California State Military Reserve, cut the ceremonial cake as they celebrate the Army’s 244th anniversary Friday at Heroes Hall in Costa Mesa.

Heroes Hall at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa hosted a celebration Friday of the Army’s 244th anniversary.

Nick Berardino, a Marine veteran and president of the Heroes Hall Veterans Foundation, speaks during a celebration of the Army’s 244th anniversary on Friday at Heroes Hall, the veterans museum at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa.

U.S. military veterans and members of the Army stand as they recite the Soldier’s Creed during Friday’s celebration of the Army’s 244th anniversary at Heroes Hall in Costa Mesa.

Maj. Yolanda Edwards, executive officer of the Army Southern California Recruiting Battalion, speaks during a celebration of the Army’s 244th anniversary on Friday at Heroes Hall at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa.

Lt. Col. Brandon Kelley, public affairs officer for the 79th Theater Sustainment Command at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, speaks at Heroes Hall in Costa Mesa during Friday’s celebration of the Army’s 244th anniversary.