by Kayla Sheldon on 2016-03-30
COLTON >> Coltonite Daniel Luna received his very own military banner, officially installed on the first pole west of 7th Street in his hometown of Colton, on Feb. 10.
Luna served a total of six years in the Navy. He joined the service, starting as inactive, in 1960 while he was still a seventeen-year-old student at Colton High School. Luna explained that after his graduation, he served actively in the Navy until 1963. He served in the reserves until his six years were up.
Luna was a Fireman Engineer which required him to work in the engine rooms. “I really enjoyed it,” he added.
As Luna reflected on his decision to join the military he shared with a chuckle, “I really wanted to travel.. and back then, if you wanted to travel, you join the military."
Luna did just that; he was able to visit a number of different places during his service including: New Zealand, Hawaii, Antarctica, South Pole, North Pole, South America, and more. “Got my dream; it came true,” he said.
Initially, it was his sister Stella’s idea to get him a military banner; however, according to Luna there is no person who wanted that military banner more than his father.
“He [his father] has been asking me about getting one for a while and after we went through the process, he wouldn’t stop asking when it was going to be installed,” said Luna. “It makes him really proud.”
Most of Luna’s family and friends were able to attend the military banner installation ceremony, including his 95-year-old father. “It was a good day but a very emotional one for my dad,” he added.
Luna shared that his father was asking if his banner would be on all the street signs throughout Colton. “I had to explain to him that it would just be on the one,” he chuckled. “He was just really excited about it.”
Luna’s banner can be found on the south side of N Street, the first pole west of 7th Street. He was raised on 7th Street and wanted his banner to be as close as possible.
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Served a total of 6 years:
1960 (17 and still in HS - in reserves)
active until 1963 -
then served another two years inactive
he served in the engine room. title "fireman engineer"
Decided to join because he wanted to travel, "back then if you wanted to travel, you join the military."
he really enjoyed his service, dream come true because he got to travel to many different places including: Hawaii, New Zealand, Antarctica, South Pole, North Pole, South America, and more. "Got my dream, it came true"
Grew up, born and raised in Colton.
Graduated from Colton High School 1961
played basketball in high school.
Stella's idea to get him the military banner
Dad really wanted him to get one, kept asking him about it.
He really got one to please his dad. (95-years-old)
Dad was able to go to the ceremony.
very emotional day for him, he's so proud.
he kept asking him when is it going to happen,
even asked him if his banner was going to be on all of the street signs
laughed - "no dad, just one."
His dad's dream came true with the installation of Luna's banner.
"He was so excited about it."
Raised on 7th street.
was able to get the closest banner installation to his street. "close enough"
Daniel S. Luna that took place February 10, 2016 on the south side of N St, the 1st pole west of 7th St.
Here is the contact information that Daniel S. Luna’s sponsor provided to us when they submitted their application:
Regina Luna or Stella Jaurigue
909-424-0215
909-536-3234