By Heather Lipson, The Menifee Experience & Menifee 24/7
On Nov. 11, 2025, the City of Menifee came together to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation during the annual Veterans Day Ceremony. Held at Hidden Hills Park, the event brought a sense of gratitude and unity to the locals who attended.
The event began with Master Gunnery Sergeant Arthur “Artie” Allen III, USMC (Ret.), who kicked off the proceedings. With his charismatic presence, he joked to the crowd, “Do I need to make you do some push-ups?” This joke was received with laughter and a loud welcome as he began introducing the special guests present at the event.
Another noteworthy moment of the morning was the presentation of colors by Scouting America Troop No. 374. Following this, the National Anthem was performed by Audrey Walton, whose voice filled the air as members of the audience either saluted the flag or held their right hand over their heart to pay respect.
Adding to the day’s significance, Acting Mayor Bob Karwin introduced Congresswoman Young Kim to the podium. Kim represents California’s 40th District and is the first Korean-American woman to ever serve in Congress.
Following this, the keynote speaker, Sgt. Major Gerald Saunders Jr., stepped up to the podium and spoke to the crowd. He paid his respects to the countless sacrifices made by soldiers to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today. During his address, he encouraged the audience to offer a round of applause for the many veterans in attendance, including Bill Gonzales, a distinguished individual who served in both World War II and the Korean War.
Sgt. Major Saunders Jr. also spoke with pride about his own father, Gerald Saunders Sr., an Army veteran who inspired his dedication to service. He concluded his speech with a powerful call to action, urging attendees to show their gratitude toward veterans not just in words, but through meaningful actions. He encouraged the community to dedicate their time, money, and other resources to support local veterans and their families, emphasizing the importance of making a tangible difference in their lives.
The event concluded with an official flyover at exactly 11:11 a.m. when four jets flew over the park and returned for a second display minutes later. Guests had time to visit and learn more from the information booths available on site.
