Patriots of the Past Present and Future Ceremony to be Held in 2017

MORENO VALLEY>> On March 10, 2017, Senator Mike Morrell will host the 4th annual Patriots of the Past, Present, and Future ceremony and policy forum at March Field Air Museum in Riverside to honor individuals and organizations for their commitment to the nation. The event is an opportunity to acknowledge veterans, reservists, enlisted service members and those groups that serve them, as well as highlight legislative issues impacting men and women in uniform. Nominations are now being accepted for "Patriots of the Past" and "Patriots of the Present." To be considered, individuals and organizations must be based in the 23rd Senate District. The 23rd State Senate District covers portions of Riverside, San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties. The district includes all or portions of the following communities: Banning, Beaumont, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Cedar Glen, Calimesa, Cherry Valley, Crestline, Homeland, Hemet, Highland, Lake Arrowhead, Loma Linda, Menifee, Mentone, Nuevo, Phelan, Pinon Hills, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, San Bernardino, San Jacinto, Wrightwood and Yucaipa. A selection committee will choose three finalists for each era in the following categories: Business, Education, Public Safety, Community Service, and Civic Engagement. One finalist from each category will be selected for a special recognition at the event. For the purpose of this event, "Patriots of the Past" are considered to be retired veterans who served in the Armed Forces during eras of conflict in the 20th century such as World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. "Patriots of the Present" are considered currently enlisted service members, reservists or veterans of recent conflicts such as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. A Patriot of the Present can also be a person, business or organization that serves veterans in some capacity. Morrell is also asking individuals under the age of 21 to participate as "Patriots of the Future" to share what patriotism means to them by submitting an online questionnaire and taking a photo with a veteran that includes a caption explaining why he or she is a patriot. Entries must be sent as direct messages to Morrell's Instagram account at "mikemorrellgop." First, second and third place winners will be recognized at the spring event as well as receive a $100 Amazon gift card, Amazon Echo Dot-2nd Generation and an Amazon Fire Tablet, respectively. Online forms for both categories are available at morrell.cssrc.us/patriots2017, including a parental consent form for participants under the age of 18. For questions, or to obtain a physical nomination form, please contact Melissa Boyd at either Melissa.Boyd@sen.ca.gov or (909) 919-7731. The submission deadline is January 16, 2017.