Fresno City College wrapped up veterans week with a ceremony honoring veterans and commemorating the twentieth anniversary of the veterans peace memorial in the Free speech area.

Students and faculty gathered in the free speech area for the event which featured several prominent speakers from the Central Valley, a 21 gun salute, a recognition of veterans and food.

Dr. Lee Farley, head of the EOPS department at FCC who is also an Air Force veteran, served as the master of ceremonies.

Jannett Jackson, Chancellor of the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District, who is also a veteran, was the keynote speaker.

Jackson spoke about her time in the military and of citizens returning home which was the major theme of the event.

“This monument is not only recognition of those citizen soldiers,” Jackson said. “It is also a monument and a testament to those of us who have worn the uniform.”

Jackson served on the original committee that made the monument possible 20 years ago.

Several other members of the committee were also present at the event including former faculty and veterans.

Another member of the committee present at the event was Bill Seaberg who served as the Vice chair of the committee.

Seaberg spoke of  the history of the monument, including the work of Adrian Acosta who worked as a counselor at FCC and was instrumental in the building the monument.

“He visualized and presented the idea of this memorial which would represent and commemorate the citizen soldier,” Seaberg said of Acosta’s contribution.

The FCC concert band joined Dennis Adkins during a recognition of the various branches of the armed forces.

Rep. Jim Costa presented the college with a flag which had flown over the Capitol to fly over the memorial.  The congressman also spoke of his ties to the military including service by many members of his family.

Fresno City College student Carlos Corona was awarded the Citizen Soldier Award by Vice President of Student Services.

Corona displayed pictures of women veterans and The Tuskegee Airmen.

He said, “I would like to share the spotlight with those men and women who served in the past and were never really welcomed home.”