By YM/Cpl Luke Paulson Eagle (CA) Observing Veterans Day on Mount Soledad was one of the most inspira- tional experiences I have had with the Eagle (CA) Young Marines. Mount Soledad National Veterans Me- morial honors veterans of all branches of service. Plaques honoring veterans are installed at the base of the giant Mt. Soledad Cross. Mt. Soledad is on the top of the City of La Jolla in San Diego. A prominent landmark, it can be seen for many miles in all directions. My fel- low Eagle Young Marines and I attended a memorial ceremony held there. We heard a speech given by a former Cali- fornia governor Pete Wilson, in support of veterans within San Diego and the rest of the state. We were also extremely inspired by a Medal of Honor recipient, Col. Steve Vargas (USMC, Ret.) who spoke to the crowd of veterans and their families and friends. The ceremony honored Gold Star Families. Throughout the day on Mount Soledad, the Eagle Young Marines held the flags up from touch- ing the ground, a problem caused by the intense wind during the Ceremony. We also handed out water to the veterans, and helped veterans and family mem- bers from their chairs to the parking lot. YM/PFC Jaime Mendez and I had the honor of guarding the memorial plaque and then unveiling the plaque during the ceremony. After the ceremony, Shawn Smith’s mother ( a Gold Family) asked to see the Eagle Young Marines. She talked to all the Eagle Young Marines and told us she was grateful that we were helping honor her son. It was a wonderful way to spend Memorial Day. Many of my friends at school think Memorial Day is merely a day off from school. For my fellow Eagle Young Marines and I, we spent the day helping Veterans, learning about our Heritage, gaining knowledge and respect for our much appreciated U.S. Military Veterans. Eagle: An Inspiring Experience at Veterans Day Ceremony By YM/ Cpl Chelsea Ponder Atlantic Coast (FL) During Veterans Appreciation Week, Walt Disney Resorts provided an amaz- ing opportunity to show and support our brave men and women who serve our country. Veterans were recognized at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort with special flag retreat ceremonies. Veterans and active duty members from all different branches came together to march down Main Street.Both active duty and veteran mili- tary members also joined in the march down Main Street. The United States Navy Band also joined in the celebration. The smiles on the veterans faces and families were incredible. I really hope to start doing more things like this within the community to honor those who serve and allow us to be free. Thank you to all who serve! Florida: Flag Ceremonies Highlight Veterans Appreciation Week WeHONOR REMEMBER VETERANS and our nation’s Y O U N G M A R I N E S: By YM/ PFC Quintasia Lytle Mitchell County (GA) On Friday, November 10, 2017, the Mitchell County Young Marines handed out certificates to veterans. We also gave a brief speech to show them that they are appreciated and to thank them for their service. We donated personal grooming items to the Salvation Army and Albany (GA) Res- cue Mission. Our unit received donations of sev- eral boxes of many different kinds of items. There were more than a thousand of these items. Each shelter received five hundred. To end our day, we placed a wreath at the Camilla Veterans Memorial. Our unit showed much pride in honoring those who are serving,those that have served,and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Mitchell County: We Offered Our Heartfelt Thanks 12 YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE