Civic and military dignitaries were on hand Friday morning for the grand opening of the Armed Services Recruiting Center at the Westfield Valencia Town Center Mall.

The Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines offices moved from Soledad Canyon Road to the new location in order to be more visible and centrally located to the population of the Santa Clarita Valley.

“The Santa Clarita Valley is very important for our recruiting mission,” said Capt. Jeffrey Warstler, commander of the U.S. Army recruiting station.  “We have a lot of good schools here and a lot of smart kids.  That’s what the United States military looks for. (There is) a lot of good talent here in the Santa Clarita Valley.”

Santa Clarita Mayor Laurie Ender said the city works closely with the U.S. military for the benefit of all.

“This is what it means to be a community, to have this kind of event and to have this kind of facility,” Ender said.  “When I look out on (the SCV’s new recruits), standing at attention, I want you to know you are the strength of our nation, you are the hope of our community, and that you will be in my prayers every single day.”

The new recruiting offices are located across from Chick Fil-A and next to the food court entrance at the mall.