Cotlonite John Adame Honored with Military Banner

Coltonite John C. Adame was honored by his family, friends, and the City of Colton with his very own military banner installation ceremony on May 27. Although he passed away in July of 2003 and was unable to attend his military banner installation ceremony, many of his family members and friends were there for his support. Adame was born in November of 1921 right here in Colton and was raised here his entire life. “He loved Colton. He was a true Coltonite,” his daughter Carla Botello shared. He served in the Army for a little over three years: from July of 1942 until the end of World War II, in December of 1945. Botello shared that Adame had many duties during his service and he would also serve as an interpreter. According to Botello, he travelled throughout the world during his service. However, Italy soon became a special place close to his heart. While stationed in Italy, Adame met a woman named Angelina Esposito whom not too later became his wife and mother of their six children: five girls and one boy. “He got permission from the military and they got married right there in Italy during his service,” she shared. “I believe they were one of the first couples to get married while in the military.” Botello, their first child and the oldest of her siblings, was born in Italy, as well. It wasn’t until after his service did they move back to America, specifically to his hometown of Colton, California. “It was a family idea and contribution,” she explained regarding his military banner. They all thought it would be a great idea to get him his own banner to show their support and pride for their loved one. “A lot of our family members were there; even my dad’s first cousin Eddie Cortez was there which made it really special,” Botello explained that Adame looked up to Cortez as he was growing up. “It was emotional but it was a great ceremony.” John Adame’s military banner can be seen on Valley Boulevard in Colton.