The Veterans Resource Center Hosts D-Day Remembrance Day
By Maximilian Morici
“On June 6, 1944, over 150,000 Allied soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy in France. This event is called D-Day.”
Commemorating the day nearly 82 years later, Jessica Galvan, the Admin Asst./ School Certifying Official of Veteran Services at Chaffey College hosted a D-Day remembrance event on June 3, 2026. This remembrance was held at the Veterans Resource Center at Chaffey College’s Rancho Cucamonga campus.
“D-Day was one of the biggest military operations in history; Allied troops landed on five beaches called Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. D-Day is remembered as the beginning of the Allied effort to liberate Western Europe from Nazi control.”
While setting up for the event, Jessica explained the significance of a Prisoners of War (POW)/Missing in Action (MIA) table, “Each item on the table has a special meaning.”
The empty chair represents those who are not here. The white tablecloth symbolizes the purity of their intentions to serve. The single rose reminds us of the families and loved ones who keep faith while waiting. The yellow ribbon symbolizes the support for troops sent into harm's way and an expression of hope that they would all return home soon.
The upside-down glass signifies that they cannot join us in a toast. The empty plate reflects their absence at the table. The black napkin represents mourning and remembrance. The candle symbolizes hope for their return, or that they will never be forgotten.
The POW/MIA flag reminds us of our commitment to never forget them.
Jessica shows she truly cares about the veterans program at Chaffey and is dedicated to growing it. They have already tripled the number of members they are currently assisting and plan to help many more in the future.
The well-being of the participants, and providing them with a safe third space to study around other veterans, is of the highest priority for this program. Jessica believes that they will thrive in an environment where they are able to be around like-minded individuals, celebrating their victories and growing together as a group.
The veterans resource center will be hosting the Army birthday on Thursday, June 11, 2026, in AD-125 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.