Menifee residents, officials celebrate Veterans Day

Staff photos by Doug Spoon

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Residents and local dignitaries gathered in Central Park Saturday to recognize Veterans Day and honor all those who have served our country in military service.

Veteran Altie Holcomb served as Master of Ceremonies and introduced the Santa Rosa Academy Cadet Corps, 310 Battalion, 2nd Brigade, who displayed the colors while Santa Rosa student Audrey Woisin sang the national anthem.

Speakers included Mayor Bill Zimmerman, who said, “It is a joy and an honor for us today to gather together. We’re in the midst of patriots; you answered the call to duty. It’s an inspiration for me to serve as mayor in a city like Menifee whose residents are patriotic and appreciative.”

City Council member Dean Deines, himself a veteran, thanked all the veterans in attendance for their service, saying, “You know what a sacrifice it is.”

Deputy Consul General Kwon Songhwan of Korea presented five local Korean War Veterans with the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal. Also honored were students Emma Baltazar and Gracie Raxter, winners of an essay contest commemorating the occasion.

Keynote speaker was Menifee resident and Vietnam Veteran Gerald Thacker, who serves as Junior Vice Commander of VFW Post 1956.

“The U.S. military men and women are the very essence of the key to keeping our country safe, strong and free,” Thacker said. “This is what Americans do. Veterans serve not because of fortune or fame but because of love of country, our allies and our fellow countrymen.”

The ceremony concluded with a flyover by Dawn Air Patrol.

The colors were presented by Santa Rosa Academy Cadet Corps 310 Battalion, 2nd Brigade

 Mayor Bill Zimmerman addressed the crowd gathered in Central Park on Saturday.

 Local resident and veteran Altie Holcomb served as Master of Ceremonies.

 

The event concluded with a flyover by Dawn Air Patrol.