Menifee pays tribute to veterans during city ceremony

The Menifee Veterans Memorial stands a few feet from where hundreds of residents celebrated Veterans Day. Menifee 24/7 photos: Doug Spoon

The largest crowd yet for a City of Menifee Veterans Day celebration attended the first nighttime observance of the national holiday Friday, honoring military veterans both locally and across the country.

More than 200 residents gathered next to the city's Veterans Memorial in Wheatfield Park for the event, which included keynote speaker Melissa Melendez, State Assemblywoman, as well as city officials and members of VFW Post 1956. Veterans in attendance were asked to stand and were thanked for their service.

Melendez, herself a Navy veteran, spoke about the value of veterans and non-veterans alike coming together to support their community and each other.

"I need to impress upon you how important your involvement is when it comes to veterans," Melendez said. "It matters. When you choose to serve on a school board, city council, water district, Congress ... veterans bring a different perspective. It's a different perspective about doing what's right. We need you to do this.

"As veterans and supporters of veterans, if we don't insert ourselves in every aspect of our community, then our issues go by the wayside. Our voices are not heard."

Residents also heard from Menifee Mayor Neil Winter and City Council member Greg August, an Air Force veteran. The NJROTC of Paloma Valley High School presented the colors, and members of Boy Scout Troop 374 led the Pledge of Allegiance. Anahi Rodriguez sang the National Anthem.

Local students who were winners of a city-sponsored essay contest read their entries on the theme, "Why is it important to celebrate Veterans Day?" After the ceremony, the patriotic band Timeless performed and a free barbecue dinner was served by BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse.

Cadets from Paloma Valley High School NJROTC served as the Color Guard Friday night.

State Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez, keynote speaker, urged veterans and non-veterans to support their community.

Veterans in attendance were asked to stand, including a World War II veteran (with Army cap).

Emily Pizarro reads her first-place essay about the importance of celebrating Veterans Day.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 374 stand respectfuly during the ceremony.