Originally published at Orange County Catholic
EIGHTH-GRADER CLAIRE Kurkjian may have started a tradition at St. Bonaventure School in Huntington Beach. Her father, Captain Bob Kurkjian, USN, served tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bahrain and is currently stationed in Ventura County. Last year Claire organized a special Veterans Day tribute to honor her dad and all people who have served in the armed forces.
Now in its second year, the Veterans Day tribute honored 27 veterans who served from the Korean War to three currently in active duty. All the veterans are related to either students, faculty or parishioners at St. Bonaventure.
“I think it is important to honor our veterans and thank the people who have protected our freedom,” said Claire, who brought the idea to the school administration last year.
This year, in addition to honoring the veterans, the students gave each service member handmade certificates thanking them for their service.
Former PFC Benjamin Vargas served in the Army for three years, including one year in Vietnam in 1968.
“I was newly married when the Army sent me to Vietnam for a year,” recalled the former Army Psychological Operations (PSYOP) Soldier. “I didn’t see my newborn son until he was six months old.”
Terrance Strouse
