CSULB students and U.S. Army members present U.S. and California flags before the Pledge of Allegiance during the Veterans Day Celebration event at the Speaker’s Platform on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Eddy Cermeno | Long Beach Current

Soldiers in uniform carrying U.S. and California flags performed a color guard ceremony on Wednesday, marching in synchrony as a crowd gathered to watch at the Speaker’s Platform.

The ceremony was part of Long Beach State’s annual Veterans Day celebration, where several guest speakers, including student and alumni veterans, reflected on their service and transition back into civilian and student life.

“It’s a new kind of mission, finding purpose and building connections,” said Lynisha McDuel, director of Veterans Services, while talking about how it can be disorienting for veterans to transition back into school life.

Although Veterans Services assists students on campus, many student veterans also rely on the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs for educational benefits, healthcare and employment assistance. The recent government shutdown, which ended on Wednesday and was the longest in recorded history, has delayed access to those services. 

One student veteran who attended the event was Sixto Roman Delgado, a fifth-year biology major and former Marine who worked as a 0331 machine gunner for four years. Delgado said he uses Veterans Services every day, often spending time in the lounge and taking breaks between classes. 

“It’s cool seeing some new veterans that I haven’t seen on campus before…seeing what they’re up to and talking about their experiences and everything,” Delgado said. 

Delgado has been waiting for an appointment to ensure his new authorization codes, which are needed for Veteran Affairs to cover his tuition and fees. The shutdown, however, has delayed his appointment.  

“Since the government shutdown, the appointments are getting pushed back,” Delgado said. “I have an appointment with my representative in a couple weeks, so that’s when I’ll know if I’m able to do it.” 

Janet Marquez, a second-year applied anthropology major who attended the event, served in the Navy, working in aviation maintenance for four years. 

“I have a lot of friends that are [on] active duty and [the shutdown] really affecting them more than actual veterans,” Marquez said. “When it comes to medical, education, as well as even employment services … it affects a lot of what we can get and how fast we can get it.”

Marquez noted that Veteran Services is a good place to study, take naps or get snacks. He also expressed his gratitude for the commemoration event, saying that even if it’s something small, it goes a long way for him and other veterans.

“I’ve seen our Veteran Resource Center become more than just an office; it’s become a living room, it’s become a pitstop, it’s a place to take a nap,” McDuel said, adding that it’s a space where students can “find their people.”

McDuel expressed gratitude to the faculty and staff who made efforts to connect and understand the experiences of those who have served.  

“They mentor, they advocate, they help create the kind of campus that understands what it means to serve and continue serving in new ways,” McDuel said.

The speeches concluded with a special ceremony, which included a cake, marking the Marine Corps’ 250th birthday. Then, the event moved next to Peterson Hall, where free tacos were provided.

CSULB Interim President Andrew Jones, who made a special appearance, also expressed his gratitude to those who have served. 

“We are grateful beyond measure for your service and your sacrifices, and we value the unique perspectives, knowledge and experiences you bring to your classrooms, to your workplaces and communities,” Jones said.