Santa Maria, Calif. – On Wednesday morning the Santa Maria Valley gathered for the 25th annual Veterans Day and Wreath Ceremony, a tradition that honors the community’s military heroes and brings families together in gratitude for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
New plaque commemorates local Vietnam veteran
The centerpiece of this year’s program was the dedication of a new memorial plaque honoring Corporal Kenneth S. Adams, a Santa Maria High School graduate who was killed in combat at age 22 on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, 1967. According to ceremony organizers, Corporal Adams served with the U.S. Army’s 2nd Platoon, D Company, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. He fell during the Battle for Hill 63 in Vietnam after U.S. forces came under heavy enemy fire.
The plaque will join the existing Vietnam War tribute at the Freedom Monument Veterans Memorial, raising the total number of fallen Santa Maria Valley service members honored at the site to 114.
Community leaders and youth participate
Mayor Alice Patino opened the ceremony with remarks that highlighted the importance of remembering the sacrifices of veterans while encouraging younger generations to uphold the values of duty and patriotism. Santa Maria Valley Chamber President Michael Boyer and a U.S. Space Force representative from Vandenberg Space Force Base also addressed the crowd.
Memorial co‑founder Robert Hatch delivered the keynote address, and co‑founder Dave Cross served as master of ceremonies. Students from St. Mary of the Assumption School read the names of all 114 fallen service members, continuing a cherished tradition of involving young people in the tribute.
The Young Voices of Santa Maria Youth Choir performed before the wreath presentation, adding a heartfelt musical element to the solemn observance.
Supporting veterans beyond the ceremony
The event was co‑sponsored by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber, the City of Santa Maria, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2521 and the Santa Maria Valley Veteran Honor Guard. Organizers noted that the 10 a.m. start time was moved earlier than in previous years to allow attendees to participate in additional Veterans Day activities throughout the area.
Santa Maria‑based attorney Michael B. Clayton hosted his annual Veterans Day free barbecue and flag ceremony at Santa Maria Veteran’s Memorial Hall. Now in its 26th year, the four‑hour gathering provides free meals for all veterans, active‑duty service members and their families. Non‑military guests may purchase a meal for $10, with proceeds supporting Healing Heroes Through Horsemanship, a program that helps local veterans regain purpose, confidence and valuable career skills through vocational horsemanship education.
These community‑focused events underscore Santa Maria’s commitment to honoring those who served and to caring for the men and women who continue to protect our nation.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
