In Glendale, an early salute to veterans

Students and faculty at Wilson Middle School paid tribute to four U.S. military veterans Wednesday as a part of the school’s annual Veterans Day assembly.

With Veterans Day still a few days away, guests of the assembly included World War II veterans Thomas Simms, Joseph Onesty and Richard Ostronik, as well as World War II and Korean War veteran and test pilot Bob Gilliland.

“There is no other greater responsibility of a citizen than to wear the uniform of the military of the United States of America,” said school Principal Richard Lucas, “and we are honoring those people today.”

Gilliland detailed his experiences in the wars and also spoke to students about being the first person to ever fly the SR-71 Blackbird, a reconnaissance aircraft that was produced in Burbank in the 1960s.

The school’s orchestra and choir performed a medley of patriotic songs honoring the veterans and U.S. military branches.

Glendale Mayor Frank Quintero was at the assembly to present the veterans with plaques and certificates of honor from the city of Glendale and the West Glendale Kiwanis Club.

“It’s an honor to be with these veterans,” said Quintero, who is himself a veteran of the Vietnam War.

-- Josh Cox, Times Community News

Follow Josh Cox on Twitter: @joshualcox