by Xuan Lee Routt on 2013-11-14
With a breath-taking sunset as a backdrop, the City of Moreno Valley held a special evening Veteran's Day ceremony at the Moreno Valley Civic Center.
Begun in 2007, this year's ceremony brought together veterans, their families and other Moreno Valley residents, as they observed a moment of silence in remembrance of all veterans.
Speaking at the event was Brigadier General James L. Melin, USAFR (Ret), and Moreno Valley Mayor Tom Owings. The Veteran's Day ceremony also included a presentation of colors and a patriotic performance of the "13-Fold" Ceremony by Riverside National Cemetery's Semper Fi #1 Memorial Honor Detail, and the Moreno Valley A.F. Chelbana Assembly of Knights of Columbus.
Veteran and local resident Frank A. Lopez was honorably recognized and awarded the folded flag. Lopez has lived in Moreno Valley for 75 years and he says he loves it. He said the veteran's ceremony was "a beautiful ceremony and I had a very nice time."
Gregory A. Williams, another Moreno Valley resident, brought his sister-in-law Denise Griffins and grandsons Devin and Dylan Livingston to reflect on the meaning of the holiday. This was the first time the family has attended this ceremony, and all agreed that it was excellent and important. Being a passionate activist of the city, Mr. Williams said, "It's very important to recognize our members [who] are helping us. We need to always be there to support them." Devin and Dylan explained their favorite part of the sunset event was seeing the spectacular uniforms the Knights of Columbus, A.F. Chelbana Assembly were wearing.
At the end of the ceremony, Mayor Owings delivered a speech with a heartfelt message. He reminded residents that Moreno Valley has always been a place that welcomed veterans home with outstretched arms; that Moreno Valley is a city that honors and pays tribute to all the men and women who have served their county.
The city displays military appreciation banners down the streets of Frederick Street, Cottonwood Avenue, Cactus Avenue, and at the Veteran's Memorial at the Moreno Valley Civic Center.
Mayor Owings said, "All veterans ask is that when they raise their hand to volunteer when our country needs them, that we'll be here to wrap our arms around them when they get back."
With dozens in attendance to honor those veterans, Moreno Valley exemplified its welcoming attitude toward veterans and other military service members.
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Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony
3:30 p.m.
Moreno Valley Veterans Memorial, Memorial Circle at the Moreno Valley Civic Center
14177 Frederick St., Moreno Valley
Moreno Valley Plans Special Sunset Ceremony for Veterans Day
Monday, November 11, the City of Moreno Valley will be hosting a special Veterans' Day ceremony at the Moreno Valley Civic Center. The ceremony will include a keynote address by Brigadier General James L. Melin, USAFR (Ret), a presentation of colors and a performance of the "13-Fold" Ceremony by Riverside National Cemetery's Semper Fi #1 Memorial Honor Detail, and remarks from Mayor Tom Owings.
New banners and pavers recognizing veterans and active duty personnel will be on display and the ceremony will include the issuance of a proclamation establishing the City of Moreno Valley as a Purple Heart City. Musical arrangements by the Moreno Valley Master Chorale and the Valley View High School Band will accompany the laying of a wreath at the Memorial by the City Council and members of the Knights of Columbus, A.F. Chelbana Assembly in honor of all who have served and continue to serve our country. The ceremony will be followed by reception with light refreshments.
DATE: Monday, November 11, 2013
TIME: 3:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Moreno Valley Veterans' Memorial
Memorial Circle at the Moreno Valley Civic Center
14177 Frederick Street, Moreno Valley
Attendees are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue in the tradition established by Moreno Valley's Laura Froehlich, a.k.a. "Flagmama." In addition, the City of Moreno Valley will be accepting contributions of peanut butter (creamy or chunky) and jelly (strawberry or grape) in support of March Air Reserve Base's Hangar 385 hospitality service for departing and returning war zone soldiers.
Please see attached biography for more information about keynote speaker General Melin. For further more information about the Veterans' Day Ceremony or the purchase of pavers or military banners, please call 413.3030 or visit www.moval.org.
XUAN'S ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
With a breath taking sunset as a backdrop, the city of Moreno Valley was having a special Veteran's Day ceremony at the Moreno Valley Civic Center. Going on since 2007, this year's ceremony proved to be a truly moving experience. Families, veterans, and residents of Moreno Valley sat in a somber silence as everyone used the moment to remember our veterans. Speaking at the event was Brigadier General James L. Melin, USAFR (Ret), and Moreno Valley mayor Tom Owings. The Veteran's Day ceremony also included a presentation of colors and a patriotic performance of the "13-Fold" Ceremony by Riverside National Cemetery's Semper Fi #1 Memorial Honor Detail, and the Moreno Valley A.F. Chelbana Assembly of Knights of Columbus.
Veteran and local resident Frank A Lopez was honorably recognized and awarded the folded flag. Mr. Lopez has lived in the city of Moreno Valley for the past seventy five years and loves it. He said it was ," a beautiful ceremony and very nice time." Gregory A. Williams from Moreno Valley brought his sister-in-law Denise Griffins, and grandsons Devin and Dylan Livingston to reflect on all that our veterans have done for us. This was the first time the family has attended this ceremony and all agreed that it was excellent and important. Being a passionate activist for the city, Mr. Williams said that, "It's very important to recognize our members that are helping us. We need to always be there to support them." Devin and Dylan excitedly described their favorite part was seeing the spectacular uniforms the Knights of Columbus, A.F. Chelbana Assembly were wearing.
At the end of the ceremony, Mayor Tom Owings delivered a powerful speech with a heart felt message. He reminded the city that Moreno Valley has always been a place that welcomed veterans home with outstretched arms. Moreno Valley is a city that honors and pays tribute to all of the men and women who have served for our county. The city proudly displays Military appreciation banners down the streets of Fredericks, Cottonwood, Cactus, and the Veteran's Memorial at the Moreno Valley Civic Center. Mayor Owings quoted that, "All veterans ask is that when they raise their hand to volunteer when our country needs them, that we'll be here to wrap our arms around them when they get back." Moreno Valley is without a doubt, a city with a big heart and welcoming attitude towards all veterans.