On Saturday, May 27, 2017 the SDA Foundation and Alumni Association held a poignant and memorable ceremony, in which we remembered and honored those alumni who gave their all for our country.
Capt. Richard Suttie gave the keynote address
As the flag was raised, Bengt Osten (’18) rang the bell 20 times, once for each of our fallen listed on our memorial. Ken Harrison (’73) introduced Captain Richard Suttie (’75), US Navy, (ret), who offered the keynote address.
Family members, friends and volunteers read the names and short biographies of the fallen. One of the speakers, Isaac Lopez (’62) is the sole surviving brother of fallen alumnus Victor Lopez (’66). He spoke to the crowd about his little brother, whom everyone called “Chief.” Chief’s nephew Mike Lopez was also on hand, to read the name of another fallen alum.
Tom Cozens (’66) read two names and biographies. The first was of his uncle Richard Cozens (’40), whom he never got to meet, but who had Tom’s baby photo in his effects when they were returned to his family. Tom also read the name and biography of James Mitchell (’59).
Rod Davis (’49) read the name of his classmate, William Preston Raney (’49) and spoke about some of their escapades. He also remembered Jack Vaughan (’49) very well. Jack’s name and biography was read by teacher John Cannon.
Mary Arballo Magaña (’40) read the name of Tom Mericantante (’67), who used to come over to play marbles with her son. She made attendees laugh with the memory of Tom being a marbles “shark”.
This event was sponsored by the San Dieguito Academy Foundation / Alumni Association, which also maintains the SDHS Veterans Scholarship Fund and the Fallen Alumni Memorial. If you would like to donate to the scholarship fund, please use the Paypal link to the left.
If you would like to learn of future alumni events like this one, please join our mailing list using the link below the photos or email sda.alumni@gmail.com
We want to thank George Stimson for taking and sharing these photos with us.
Bengt Osten (’18) prepares to ring the bell tower bell.
Capt Suttie addresses attendees
Capt. Suttie addresses attendees
Tom Cozens (’66) read the name and biography of his uncle, Richard Cozens (’40).
Leslie Kulchin Saldana (’84) reads the name and biography of Chuy Covarrubias (’40).
Ann Kulchin reads the biography of Eugene Dawson (’43)
Jaya Osten (’16) reads the name and biography of Melvin Johnson (’44)
Bengt Osten (’18) reads the name and biography of Joe Mettam (’38).
Jyoti Osten reads the name and biography of Don Petrie (’39).
Rod Davis (’49) reads the name and biography of his classmate, Preston Raney (’49).
Rod Davis (’49) reads the name and biography of his classmate, Preston Raney (’49).
Teacher John Cannon reads the name and biography of Jack Vaughan, (’49).
Mary Page reads the name and biography of Michael Zerbe (’59)
Mary Arballo Magana (’40) reads the name and biography of Tom Mericantante (’67).
Isaac Lopez (’62) speaks of his brother, Victor Lopez (’66).
Mike Lopez reads the name and biography of Charles Henricks. (’60)
Rosa Uribe (’85) reads the name and biography of Joe Tworek (’64).
Gregg Suttie (’78) reads the name and biography of David Peppin (’65)
