Residents Exude Gratitude at the Veteran's Day Ceremony

The air was crisp but the sun was bright as it shined down, lighting up the myriad of American Flags that filled with the Moreno Valley Civic Center. Moreno Valley residents, officials, Veterans, and their family-members filled the Veterans Memorial at the Civic Center at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11 with one goal in mind: to show gratitude and give a heart-felt and everlasting thank you to our heroes. The Moreno Valley Master Chorale showed a warm welcome with a few soothing tunes as everyone made there way to their seats. As Mayor Jesse Molina welcomed everyone in with a few remarks, the Semper Fi #1 Memorial Honor Detail then did the presentation of Colors. Cloverdale Elementary School student Aubrey Davis wowed the crowd as she had the honor of singing the National Anthem. After having all of the veterans that were present stand, Mayor Jesse Molina along with the entire audience gave them a well-deserved round of applause. “We are honored to have all of you here. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your service,” he added. A moment of silence was given to those who have lost their lives while serving our country. Mayor Molina shared names of soldiers that are known to be from Moreno Valley that had lost their lives during their service. Prior to featured speaker Major General John C. Flournoy Jr. took the podium; the Semper Fi #1 Memorial Honor Detail performed the traditional Flag Folding Ceremony. Mayor Molina gave offered a brief informative bio of Major General Flournoy Jr. as he welcomed him up to the podium. Major General Flournoy Jr. is the Commander of the Fourth Air Force, Air Force Reserve at the March Air Reserve Base. “He has 27 years of highly decorated service…he is responsible for the Air Force Reserve Long Range air lift and air refueling throughout the continental United States,” Mayor Molina explained. “He is a friend of Moreno Valley…we are fortunate to have him.” Major General Flournoy Jr. shared some strong words to honor out heroes, “it is a privilege to me to honor a very special group of Americans today, and that is American veterans…their lifelong devotion to freedom makes them unique.” He added, “The veteran prays for peace daily because they like no other citizen understand what it’s like to carry the burden of war…American veterans secure the liberty that the founding fathers fought so hard to establish here in the new world…they have carried the torch of liberty for all to see.” Before the Semper Fi #1 Memorial Honor Detail concluded the ceremony with taps, the Knights of Columbus A.F. Chelbana Assembly did the honor of laying the wreath. “[Veterans] served in the cause of freedom for all mankind and for them that was reward enough…all that have worn that uniform have won the thanks of the American people. Our gathering is just one small spark in the flame of pride that burns across the nation today and everyday,” Major General Flournoy Jr. said.