Dear Moreno Valley Residents,
Growing up so close to March Air Reserve Base, I was always around members of the armed forces who answered the call to serve their country. It inspired me to answer that same call of service myself when I enlisted as a member of the California State Guard.
That’s why I am honored to host this year’s Veterans Day ceremony at our Civic Center Veterans Memorial at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 11.
Every year, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we gather to honor our nation’s heroes who bravely stepped up to defend our values. This Veterans Day, we will be honoring those courageous souls with a ceremony befitting of a military town like Moreno Valley.
The ceremony will feature a keynote speech from Colonel Gregory P. Haynes, commander of the 452nd Air Mobility Wing; performances from Rancho Verde High School’s JROTC program; and an unveiling of our banners and pavers honoring Moreno Valley residents who have served.
This Veterans Day will be the first without Council Member Dr. Carla J. Thornton, who was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. Council Member Thornton’s legacy of service above self will always be remembered in Moreno Valley.
I am reminded of a quote from John F. Kennedy, who said: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
This Veterans Day, we will celebrate and honor those who put their words into action by doing their part to defend our nation.
The ceremony will be broadcast live on Facebook, YouTube, and MV3. I hope to see you there.
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