The Condor Squadron made several passes over Burbank on Wednesday, Nov. 11, before the city’s Veterans Day ceremony began at 11 a.m. At the McCambridge Park War Memorial veterans, their families, and neighbors gathered for the annual observance hosted by the Burbank Parks and Recreation Department.
The Condor Squadron is a non-profit organization founded in 1965 by a group of WWII fighter pilots who fly WWII, North American AT-6 airplanes, and on this day, four of them flew in formation over Burbank.
The morning began with the Burbank Community Band pre-ceremony concert, an ensemble that welcomes volunteer musicians from high school age on up and performs free concerts throughout the year. The band also performed “Amazing Grace,” and member Jule Levine closed out the ceremony with “Taps.”
Mickey DePalo, chair of the Burbank Veterans Committee, opened the ceremony with a welcome message. DePalo grew up playing sports at McCambridge Park, served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and spent nearly 42 years working for Burbank Parks and Recreation. The committee helps plan the city’s Veterans Day and Memorial Day observances and works with local organizations on programs for veterans.
The band played an armed forces medley before the color guard from Burbank’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8310 presented the flags. Also known as USS Gudgeon Ship 8310, the West Magnolia Boulevard post gives veterans a place to gather and connects them with resources and benefits.
Hyas Bergenson, a member of Powerhouse, the advanced mixed show choir at John Burroughs High School, sang the national anthem. Bill Andrew, a longtime member of the Burbank Veterans Committee, led the flag salute, while fellow committee member Paul McKenna Jr., who served in the Marine Corps and later in the Army National Guard, delivered the invocation. Gino Gaudio, a former Burbank city real estate manager who has sung at local civic events for years, followed with “God Bless America.”
Vice Mayor Zizette Mullins introduced guests and spoke about the sacrifices shared by veterans and their families. “Veterans Day reminds us that behind every uniform is a person, a family, and a story,” Mullins said. “There are moments of courage and solidarity, long separation from loved ones, and sacrifices that may never be fully seen or understood by others. We honor all who have served in every branch, in every generation, in times of peace and times of conflict. Whatever your assignment or wherever your service took you, you answered a call larger than yourself.”
Among those in attendance were City Manager Justin Hess, Councilmembers Konstantine Anthony, Nikki Perez and Chris Rizzotti, Police Chief Rafael Quintero and Fire Chief Danny Alvarez, as well as School Board Member Armond Aghakhanian. Mike Van Gorder and Nolan Southerland, who are on track to join the City Council based on preliminary election results, were also in attendance.
“Here at McCambridge Park War Memorial, we have a place to pause, remember, and express our gratitude,” Mullins said. “May we carry that spirit beyond the ceremony and into the way we care for one another every day.”
