Duran Family Honored with Four Military Banners

Not just one but four family members in the Duran family were honored for their service in the US Military by each receiving personal military banner on Wednesday, Oct. 8. About 45 of their family members were able to make it to the ceremony. Luis, Vicente, and Manuel all served in the United States Army while Jessie, Manuel’s son, served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam war. They each served between two to four years, and were proud veterans coming out of the service, according to Georgina, Luis’s daughter. Each of the banners were hung on the same street, bounds of 7th Street, H Street, and Valley Boulevard. Luis Duran, Vicente Duran and Manuel Duran are all brothers born and raised in Colton, all graduates of Colton High School. Jessie Duran is Manuel’s son, and was unaware he would be receiving a banner that day. “He just thought it was for his dad and uncles,” said Georgina. The family told Luis he was getting a banner ahead of time, but saved the surprise for his nephew Jessie who was planning on being there to honor his family members who served, but instead was also one of the ones being honored. Luis is the last of his brothers, at 90 years old. “He’s doing really great for 90,” Georgina added. With his 90th birthday on Oct. 9, the whole family gave him his birthday present a day early. However, some of their family living in Northern California visited on Thursday so they extended the ceremony to the next day, even though it officially happened on Wednesday. “Both days were so great,” Georgina shared. “I’m so appreciative of the city to let us to take time to take pictures… the Chief of Police was there and allowed us to get into the street to take pictures,” she said after explaining that it took a while to transport everyone from banner to banner. The installation ceremony on Oct. 8 started off with a prayer to all veterans, and then they all gathered for a special guest. San Bernardino County Supervisor Josie Gonzales was able to attend. “It was a great honor for Josie to join us,” said Luis’s daughter, Rosie Duran, as she shared that Josie is a family friend. Gonzales didn’t only say a few words to thank each veteran for his time served, but also presented them with Certificate of Achievement plaques. Manuel, although born and raised in Colton, moved to Northern California later in his life and had nine kids. The whole family ordered a military banner of his to take back home to show the rest of the family who were not not able to make it. “They’re going to put it up in their yard or patio so when they have gatherings everyone can see it,” Rosie said. Luis, the youngest and the only one of the brothers able to witness their military banner ceremonies, was “very reserved, and a man of few words,” Rosie said, and was extremely thankful and honored for his banner. “It meant so much to him,” she added. According to his daughters Rosie and Georgina, he is a family-oriented person and his appreciation for his birthday present definitely showed. Rosie said, “It was a very enjoyable two days.”