Moreno Valley Holds Special Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony

With a breath-taking sunset as a backdrop, the City of Moreno Valley held a special evening Veteran's Day ceremony at the Moreno Valley Civic Center. Begun in 2007, this year's ceremony brought together veterans, their families and other Moreno Valley residents, as they observed a moment of silence in remembrance of all veterans. Speaking at the event was Brigadier General James L. Melin, USAFR (Ret), and Moreno Valley Mayor Tom Owings. The Veteran's Day ceremony also included a presentation of colors and a patriotic performance of the "13-Fold" Ceremony by Riverside National Cemetery's Semper Fi #1 Memorial Honor Detail, and the Moreno Valley A.F. Chelbana Assembly of Knights of Columbus. Veteran and local resident Frank A. Lopez was honorably recognized and awarded the folded flag. Lopez has lived in Moreno Valley for 75 years and he says he loves it. He said the veteran's ceremony was "a beautiful ceremony and I had a very nice time." Gregory A. Williams, another Moreno Valley resident, brought his sister-in-law Denise Griffins and grandsons Devin and Dylan Livingston to reflect on the meaning of the holiday. This was the first time the family has attended this ceremony, and all agreed that it was excellent and important. Being a passionate activist of the city, Mr. Williams said, "It's very important to recognize our members [who] are helping us. We need to always be there to support them." Devin and Dylan explained their favorite part of the sunset event was seeing the spectacular uniforms the Knights of Columbus, A.F. Chelbana Assembly were wearing. At the end of the ceremony, Mayor Owings delivered a speech with a heartfelt message. He reminded residents that Moreno Valley has always been a place that welcomed veterans home with outstretched arms; that Moreno Valley is a city that honors and pays tribute to all the men and women who have served their county. The city displays military appreciation banners down the streets of Frederick Street, Cottonwood Avenue, Cactus Avenue, and at the Veteran's Memorial at the Moreno Valley Civic Center. Mayor Owings said, "All veterans ask is that when they raise their hand to volunteer when our country needs them, that we'll be here to wrap our arms around them when they get back." With dozens in attendance to honor those veterans, Moreno Valley exemplified its welcoming attitude toward veterans and other military service members.