Laura Sturza
SOUTH SAN FERNANDO DISTRICT -- World War II veteran Dusty Worthen and
Vietnam veteran Marc Cutter will be honored todayat a dinner sponsored by
the Burbank Sunrise Kiwanis Club.
The yearly event salutes extraordinary veterans who live in Burbank
and have been of service to the local community since their return from
active duty. It is always held the night before Veterans Day, which was
called Armistice Day prior to the end of World War II.
"World War II ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th
month, and that was originally Armistice Day because we thought the world
would be at peace forever. Obviously we were wrong," said Paul McKenna,
event chairman currently serving with the National Guard.
Worthen was a pilot who was shot down and held as a German prisoner of
war.
"I was in the Air Force flying B-24 bombers and bailed out
[parachuted] right over a German army camp, because they were shooting at
us all," he said.
The former fighter pilot serves on the Board of Directors for the
Burbank Historical Society. With his background in architecture, he
designed the Gordon R. Howard Museum.
Cutter received the Silver Star, the Soldier's Medal and the Purple
Heart.
Both men volunteer with the city of Burbank Veterans Commemorative
Committee, which honors local veterans and sponsors Memorial Day and
Veterans Day events.
Event tickets can be purchased at the door for $35 per couple or $20
per individual. For further information, call Paul McKenna at 632-8516.
