For the 81st anniversary of D-Day, community members gathered at Coronado’s Spreckels Park in protest of the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to Veterans Affairs services.
The crowd of approximately 150 held up a number of signs, with one stating “Support our Veterans.” Another said, “Some gave all, all gave some. Respect our Vets.”
Organizer and former NBC war correspondent Brad Willis said that Coronado’s position as a military town, home to a Naval Base Coronado, made the protest particularly potent.
“We believe that the veterans always had our backs, and it’s time right now that we have theirs,” said Willis.
Several former service members described how beneficial care provided by the VA has been to them. Louis Irvin, a retired Navy veteran, suffered a spinal cord injury on a ship in the South Pacific nearly 30 years ago. Since then, he’s received healthcare exclusively from the VA.
“Without the VA, I wouldn’t be here,” Irvin said. “VA benefits saved my life.”
Veterans and non-veterans alike emphasized the non-partisan nature of supporting veterans, as supporters gathered in Washington D.C. on the National Mall to make the same point.
Steve Phillips, a cardiothoracic surgeon who worked at the VA, spoke to the crowd about how the issue is “not about politics, but about principle,” adding that the VA has been the only place serving and understanding the specific needs of millions of veterans.
The fight is one that is deeply personal to Jean and Howard Somers, who lost their son Daniel — an Iraq War veteran — to suicide. Jean spoke about her advocacy work with Howard on Capitol Hill, part of which culminated in the congressional bill, the Sergeant Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Act.
“As we have heard, people are getting remarkable care at the VA,” Howard Somers said. “What we are here to do today is to make our voices heard, to make sure that the VA only continues to improve. We cannot afford any cuts. We cannot afford cuts in personnel. We cannot afford cuts in services. Let’s do everything we can to support our vets and support the VA.”
Carrying signs, protesters march in support of veterans. (Photo by Swasti Singhai/Times of San Diego)The crowd marched to the intersection of Orange Avenue and Fourth Street, where numerous cars, trucks and emergency vehicles honked in support.
Organizers chanted “protect our veterans,” “honor our veterans” and “unite for veterans,” phrases echoed by the crowd.
“Whatever happens in D.C. it’s going to impact my entire family,” said former U.S. Navy Seal and Coronado resident Al Kovac to the crowd. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate (the) support.”
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