Local Young Marines Honor Veterans with Flags

On May 8, 2021, Division 6 Young Marines from the 4th Battalion, 2nd California Regiment, honored 6 veterans in the Rancho de los Penasquitos neighborhood of San Diego, California as part of 4th Battalion Sergeant Major Sophia M. Righthouse’s Valuing our Veterans program. The Young Marines participating were from the Miramar and Temecula Valley units. A donated 20’ flagpole was installed by the Young Marines at the homes of each veteran prior to the event.

At 0900 hours on this sunny Saturday morning, the Young Marines, directed by Battalion YM SgtMaj Righthouse, formed an honor guard that included a color guard detachment (YM GySgt Jacob Arvizo, YM Sgt Tristan Vuong, YM Sgt Rebecca Castillo, and YM PFC Aidan Stewart) and a drum corps (YM GySgt Ethan Mayer, YM GySgt Andrew Mayer, and YM SSgt Jonathan Zhou). The Young Marines marched behind the 4th Battalion Guide, YM LCpl Isabella Tinoco through the residential neighborhood to the beat of the drums and to the commands of YM Sergeant Olivia Kries, the event Platoon Sergeant. Many neighbors clambered out of their houses to see what was occurring and to follow the Young Marines down the streets.

The Young Marines marched to the home of each veteran where, during a formal service, a brief overview of the veterans’ careers was announced and they were thanked for their service. The Young Marines then raised an American flag and a military service flag in their honor while the National Anthem played followed by the veterans’ military branch service song. Applause echoed down the streets from spectators who had followed the Young Marines.

The veterans honored on this special day were Steven Desjardins, Captain, US Navy (Ret), Richard Luczak, Major, US Army (Ret), Victor Bergado, Master Chief, US Navy (Ret), Ted Garcia, Master Chief, US Navy (Ret), Cesar Bagsic, Chief, US Navy (Ret), and the late Tom Lingley, Command Master Chief, US Navy (Ret) who was the first recipient of a Valuing our Veterans flagpole. CMDCM Lingley passed away in 2019. The Young Marines replaced his worn flag for his widow, Ronnie Lingley.

All of the veterans were touched by the ceremonies and by being honored by the Young Marines; several were moved to tears filled with pride and joy. Chief Bagsic said, “This is so wonderful. This is the greatest feeling. The Young Marines have made me feel so proud! All of this has made me cry.”

After his ceremony, Master Chief Victor Bergado lifted his sunglasses and said, “I want you to see my tears. They are of happiness and pride. I can’t believe this! I can’t believe they did this for me!”

Our country is full of fantastic people that have lived a life of service, giving back more than they take. Whenever you see one, thank them. The Young Marines program teaches our youth many important traits; but being grateful, respecting others, and learning how to give back to their nation and community through their own service holds a predominant position on the list.

About the Young Marines

The Young Marines is a national non-profit 501c (3) youth education and service
program for boys and girls, age eight through the completion of high school.
The Young Marines promote the mental, moral, and physical development of their
members. The program focuses on teaching the values of leadership, teamwork,
and self-discipline, so its members can live and promote a healthy, drug-free
lifestyle.

Since the Young Marines' humble beginnings in 1959 with one unit and a handful of
boys, the organization has grown to over 235 units with 8,000 youth and 2,500
adult volunteers in 40 states, the District of Columbia, Japan, and affiliates
in a host of other countries.

For more information, visit the official website at: https://www.YoungMarines.com.