A densely packed crowd gathered into the grand ballroom at the Bella Vida senior center to honor local veterans at the center’s Veteran’s Tribute Event on Friday.

The gathering kicked off with a flag ceremony in which veterans recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the National Anthem.

They then proceeded into the center’s ballroom where they were served a multicourse meal and enjoyed live performances of patriotic music.

“It’s nice to be appreciated,” said former Navy SEAL Max Morgan. “Especially for those of us … who were Vietnam War veterans. We had no welcome home, and this restores our faith in a warm welcome.”

More than 300 people attended the event, according to Robin Clough, Bella Vida’s volunteer and advocacy coordinator.

Barbra Jones plays the National Anthem during the flag-raising ceremony at the Bella Vida Senior Center’s Veterans Tribute event late Friday morning, November 8, 2019. | Photo: Bobby Block / The Signal.

“We can never do enough to pay tribute to our veterans,” said Clough. “It’s like we’re now christened at Bella Vida now that we’ve had this event here.”

The gathering also featured an opportunity for guests to meet with members of “Pinups for Vets,” a group of female veterans who visit other vets dressed as 1940s era pinup girls.

“We try to give back to the community through one-on-one interaction with Vets,” said Pinup member Jennifer Marshall. “When we meet with these vets, it makes me feel good; it fills a hole in my heart that I had when I left the military.”

Local elected officials, including Santa Clarita Mayor Marsha McClean and City Councilmember Bill Miranda, also spoke at the event, thanking veterans for their service.

A Vietnam War veteran attaches the American Flag to the pole during the opening ceremony of the Bella Vida Senior Centers’ Veterans Tribute event late Friday morning, November 8, 2019. | Photo: Bobby Block / The Signal.

Jerry Rhodes leads the procession of flags for the opening ceremony of the Bella Vida Senior Center’s Veterans Tribute event late Friday morning, November 8, 2019. | Photo: Bobby Block / The Signal.