Large crowd, honorees gather for Veterans Day in Menifee

A formation of planes from March Air Reserve Base perform a flyover above a giant flag at Menifee's Wheatfield Park. Menifee photos by Doug Spoon

Patriotism was on full display Monday as the City of Menifee's expanded Veterans Day ceremony attracted the biggest crowd yet for its annual event at the Veterans Memorial in Wheatfield Park.

The event, co-sponsored by the City of Menifee and the City's Veteran Resource Committee, included a keynote speech by Army veteran Joseph Molina of the Veterans Chamber of Commerce, which provides support and business opportunities for veterans and their families. Several local veterans were recognized with certificates, the winners of a Veterans Day Essay Contest read their entries, and guests witnessed a flyover featuring a formation of plans from March Air Reserve Base.

Mayor Bill Zimmerman took note of the increased attendance, which could be attributed to the expanded program that featured vendor booths, activities such as tug of war, musical entertainment by singers Kelli Miller and Anahi Rodriguez, and a 5K walk/run.

"We’re adding many more opportunities for some of the service organizations that support veterans to participate and be a part of this event," Zimmerman said before the ceremony. "We’re hoping this grows and grows until this is a major event with thousands of people in the future."

Menifee Major Bill Zimmerman addresses the crowd at the start of the Veterans Day ceremony.

Molina spoke of the bond between members of the military, the commitment they all share, and the support they need as they transition back to civilian life.

"The freedom we enjoy is because of you ... all of you who have served, regardless of the branch," Molina told the audience, which included many veterans who now live in the area. "The bottom line is that we’re all brothers and sisters, now and forever, because no one is left behind.

"This is a choice we made. No one forced us to go and have someone yell at us day in and day out, making us do pushups and such, for whatever reason. No one forced us to do that. What makes the warrior have the warrior’s spirit? We don’t know. But I can tell you that as veterans, we are a little different. We have the warrior’s spirit within us, and it doesn’t go away."

Eight individuals and support groups were honored during the ceremony. They included veterans Paula Kemp, Altie Holcomb, Larock Benford, Ed Samuelson, Jan Parker, Verne Horton, the Valley Resource Center and Progressive Health Performance.

Menifee residents and veterans Larock Benford and Altie Holcomb were honored during the ceremony.

Essay Contest winners who recited their essays were Korynn Steenhoek of Santa Rosa Academy (first through third grade category); Daniel Gonzalez of Mesa View Elementary School (fourth and fifth grade category), Nathan Phillips of Harvest Hill STEAM Academy (middle school category) and Kyle Snyder of Heritage High School (high school category). Local resident and veteran Kelly Robertson explained the significance of the POW/MIA Table, which has a vacant place set in honor of those who were prisoners or missing in action.

In addition, a special presentation was made to the mother, Jessica Geller-Hamilton, and family members of Private First Class Steven Hodges II, a Menifee resident who died last June while serving in the Army in Nogales, Arizona.

"It is never easy to hear when a fallen brother or sister is no longer with us," Molina said. "We all share a special connection and we honor those who have left us."

Menifee City Council member Lesa Sobek spoke of a recent trip to Washington, D.C. to represent the city in government meetings and to view the many memorials to service members there.

"I have thought a lot this Veterans Day about those who are here, and those for whom it's too difficult to come," Sobek said. "At this time in our country, I ask you to pray. Our country needs prayer at this time and I ask you to pray for those who are fighting for our freedom and those who are leading our country."

Army veteran Joseph Molina, representing the Veterans Chamber of Commerce, was the keynote speaker.

Officials recognized family members of Army Private First Class Steven Hodges II, who died while serving his country.

Businesses that support veterans set up displays in Wheatfield Park at the Veterans Day ceremony.

Guests were invited to try out exercise equipment provided by Progressive Health Performance.