In appreciation for defending the nation, Cal State San Bernardino Veteran’s Success Center will celebrate the U.S. Navy's 242 years of service.

The celebration will be held on the CSUSB Coyote Bookstore lawn on Friday, Oct. 12, at 11:30 a.m., for speeches from Capt. Quinn Hawley, chaplain, and Joe Scarcella, CSUSB professor of education leadership and technology, along with a special presentation of the “Ship’s Bell” and a cake-cutting ceremony from Rialto High School NJROTC.

Agustin Ramirez, interim director of the Veterans Success Center and a U.S. Navy veteran, said that holding birthday celebrations for the different military branches, such as the Navy, allows students and staff to experience a military ceremony that they may not normally see.

“It’s fascinating to see the color guard present the colors, for people to hear the Navy whistle, to see a military formation stand at attention, and do all the ceremonial commands that are near and dear to those of us who are familiar with the military,” Ramirez said.

“At the same time, not only does it create an opportunity for civilians to see a live military ceremony, but it’s an opportunity for those who have served, like the veterans here on campus, to be visible and recognized, and to reconnect with this part of their past,” he said.

The event is open to students, faculty, staff and general public free of charge. Parking on campus is $6.

To RSVP, please call the Veterans Success Center at (909) 537-5195 or email at vsc@csusb.edu.

The U.S. Navy was founded with the passage of the Naval Act of 1794, which began with the construction of the six frigates: USS United States, Congress, Constellation, Constitution, Chesapeake and President.

Visit the CSUSB Veteran’s Success Center website or follow it on Facebook (search @VSC.CSUSB) to learn more about its programs and events.

For more information on Cal State San Bernardino, contact the university’s Office of Strategic Communication at (909) 537-5007 and visit news.csusb.edu.