Young and Old, Menifee Residents Gather to Honor Veterans

One of the youngest attending Monday's service, wearing miniature military gear and carrying a helmet, placed a flag at the foot of the Menifee Veterans Memorial. Many residents and veterans attended the ceremony.

Menifee paid tribute to local residents and all others who have served in the military with a special service Monday in front of the Menifee Veterans Memorial in Wheatfield Park.

The crowd included World War II veterans, veterans of more recent military conflicts and residents of all ages in honor of Veterans Day. Mayor Scott Mann, a retired lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy, addressed the crowd, telling guests "the course of patriotism runs deep in my veins" and that "I'm honored to be in the presence of so many of our heroes today."

Guest speakers were Menifee residents Altie Holcomb (Capt., U.S. Marines, Ret. top left) and Anthony Christopher (Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Marines, Ret., bottom left).

Holcomb, who served on the committee that planned the Veterans Memorial now standing in Wheatfield Park, told the guests "your presence here today indicates your respect and admiration for those who have served our country. Many veterans have sacrificed lucrative careers for military service. We thank them, and we thank their spouses and families who kept up the fight on the home front."

Christopher pointed out that the average military salary is about $21,000 per year, saying, "We don't do this for the money. It has to be a love for a grateful nation. Without all of you, we could not do this."

Rebecca Valdez sang the national anthem and members of the Paloma Valley High School NJROTC Color Guard also participated.

Menifee Mayor Scott Mann, a U.S. Navy veteran, addresses the crowd.

Veterans in the crowd sit together and listen to the guest speakers.