California Beaches Blog

Today veterans were saluted at special ceremonies outside the AIM Mail Center, 9121 Atlanta Ave., in Huntington Beach. They were honored by Boy Scouts, HB City Councilman Gil Coerper, local citizens and Jim Duncan, owner of the local AIM store. Attending the special event, which included a flag raising ceremony and an explanation of what each fold of the flag means historically as it was wrapped up, were representatives from the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the First Battalion 558th Infantry Explorers from Los Alamitos, Army soldiers and veterans, including Sid Hallburn, who served in the Army and Army Air Corps during the Korean War.

Ironically, Hallburn won a drawing for a US flag, donated by U.S. Congressman Dana Rohrbacher. The erect former soldier immediately presented it to young soldiers from the 558th Infantry Explorers. The honorable Gil Coerper, a Navy and Army veteran, who also serves as a West Point representative, congratulated the vets for what they have done and the future service people for what they will do in defense of our country. Coerper’s son is an Army major who has served two tours of duty in Iraq and is currently in Afghanistan. Some of the military vehicles, like the ones being used overseas, were on display.

Other celebrations were occurring at additional AIM Mail Centers, who are offering to mail one ounce cards and letters for free to active military around the globe at any APO/FPO military address. “The military is always there protecting us and we wanted to celebrate those who serve with this offer (good through Nov. 26),” said an AIM Executive. “Many of our franchisees are veterans now serving the local community.”