SAN MARCOS — The Palomar College community celebrated Veterans Day with a ceremony on campus Thursday, November 10, 2022, featuring music, remarks by college leaders and veterans, and lunch sponsored by the Palomar College Foundation.

“Palomar College is one of the largest military serving institutions in the State of California. We proudly serve thousands of military affiliated students and have many faculty, students, and staff who are veterans,” said Superintendent/President Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey.

Dr. Rivera-Lacey then addressed the military-affiliated members of Palomar’s community: “It is because of your commitment to the safety and security of our country that we are able to benefit from the liberties provided through your sacrifices.”

The ceremony began on a cool and sunny morning with a presentation of colors by the USMC Color Guard from Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego.

At least 100 people observed on the lawn beside the campus Veterans Memorial as the Palomar Symphony Brass ensemble played a variety of patriotic songs and keynote speaker Tina Barlolong recalled her upbringing on a Navy base in San Diego.

“It is a privilege and an honor to serve those who have served,” said Barlolong, who is a Veterans Counselor at Palomar. “You are the superstars and unsung heroes on our campus and in our community.”

The event was hosted by Palomar’s Veterans Resource Center, and coincided with the 247th birthday of the Marine Corps.

The Center is a resource hub for thousands of military affiliated students, including veterans,  active-duty service members and military dependents. The Center provides counseling, tutoring, benefits assistance and more.

“Veterans, you have done your duty—to your families, to your communities, to your fallen comrades, and to your country,” said Dr. Rivera-Lacey on Thursday. “And we can never say it enough—for your service in war and in peace—thank you, thank you, thank you, and may you always be blessed.”