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PCC plans to honor veterans and active American military personnel today at noon with a Memorial Day service at the Veterans Memorial Court, according to Veterans Club President Carol Calandra.Calandra said President Lisa Sugimoto, Associate Dean of Counseling Cynthia Olivo, war veteran teacher and advisor Harold Martin, as well as student veterans, intend to speak at the one-hour event.

The veterans plan to lay out flags in remembrance of all American veterans who lost their lives in past wars, as well as the current Afghanistan and Iraq wars, said Calandra.

She said Pastor Luis Chacon of West Covina is expected to lead the audience in prayer.

Included will be a moment of silence and a bugler playing Taps, Calandra said.

Veteran Yi Ding, 25, said the veterans intend to stand in guard formation during the ceremony.

According to Calandra, school records show PCC had almost 700 veterans enrolled in the fall, 2009 semester.

Statistics suggest the number of veterans may increase dramatically over the next two years, said Calandra.

Normally, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for American “fallen heroes from all the conflicts,” said veteran student Hrair Petrosyan.

However, “with so many people [serving right now], we will honor all veterans and personnel of the American armed forces,” Petrosyan said.

According to PCC’s historical records, the War Memorial Court, known for its black granite wall located in front of the outdoor LP cafeteria, was completed in 1948.

Records indicate the commemorative Court was dedicated on Memorial Day to the more than 200 PCC students who lost their lives during World War II.

The court’s plan was created by then PCC Senior Class President Dick Gray and carried out by his fellow freshman, sophomore and junior class presidents, records say. The monument’s construction began on March 16, 1948.

The war memorial was funded by a benefit show, school dances and contributions from many of the school’s student organizations, according to the historical records.

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