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With war looming in Iraq this Veterans Day, local veterans attending a commemoration in Albany expressed solidarity with American troops stationed in the Middle East but were skeptical about the mission they might be assigned. 

“I’m not enthused about [possible war with Iraq],” said Carl, a veteran of Korea and Vietnam who did not give his last name. He feared that a U.S. attack might lead to a regional war. 

Don Diani, who fought in Korea, said he would support President Bush’s decision, but hopes the president will do his best to avert an armed conflict. “Certainly we don’t want to see more kids go to war. I’m praying that it doesn’t happen and we can solve this verbally,” he said. 

Carl and Diani were among 10 veterans and about 15 residents and city officials who attended Albany’s third annual Veteran’s Day Celebration at the Albany Veterans Building Sunday. 

Although attendance was low, spirits were high. The Albany Jazz Band played classic marching tunes that had most of the veterans tapping their feet and a couple singing and marching in place. 

“This is very nice. Everyone here is very respectful” said Diani, who grew up in the East Bay and is now a coach for Saint Mary’s High School baseball team. 

Veterans who spoke at the commemoration sounded a somber note. “I will always remember my comrades,” said Gus Luty of Albany Post 2658 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). “They were my friends and my buddies and I will remember them forever.” 

Most of the veterans at the ceremony were members of both the VFW and the Post 292 of the American Legion. They meet several times a month and are good friends. 

Carl said that despite their common bond, they rarely trade battle stories because the experiences of soldiers in World War II, Korea and Vietnam were so different. Instead they prefer to share humorous tales about the rigors of military life that are more universally experienced. 

As an example, he mentioned the many empty promises of receiving a warm meal while fighting on the front lines during the cold North Korean winter. 

Today Berkeley will honor its veterans with a 9 a.m. ceremony at Civic Center Park. San Leandro will host a Veterans Day Parade at 10 a.m., and the Emeryville Rotary Club will host a lecture at the Holiday Inn on Powell Street by Capt. John Lindford, a retired Air Force pilot. 

Contact reporter at  

matt@berkeleydailyplanet.net