Menifee Veterans Day ceremony is opportunity to say thanks

City Council member and Air Force veteran Greg August (background) salutes during the singing of the national anthem. Menifee 24/7 photos: Doug Spoon

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Veterans, active military personnel and residents joined city officials Sunday in honoring all those who have served our country during the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Menifee's Wheatield Park.

With the city's Veterans Memorial in the background, bunting hanging around the stage and military songs blasting through the speaker system, honors were given to military personnel on the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Armistice Day eventually was recognized as Veterans Day in the U.S., and this ceremony traditionally is attended by local residents who are veterans of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and other conflicts.

"I like to think of this as an opportunity," Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman said to the crowd. "It's an opportunity to join with others as we show our appreciation to those who have served our nation. They keep us safe and they keep us free."

City Council member Greg August, an Air Force veteran, also addressed the crowd.

"Our military is unmatched by any organization in the world," August said. "Perish and dread the thought of what this world would be without the effort and sacrifice of the men and women we now call veterans.":

Veterans in attendance were asked to stand as their military anthem was played during a tribute to all branches of the Armed Forces. The Blue Eagles Honor Guard presented the colors and Anahi Rodriguez sang the national anthem. Anahi's parents, Marine Corps veterans Nancy and Julio Rodriguez, delivered the keynote speech.

"Veterans possess courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty and integrity," Julio Rodriguez said.

Winners and runners-up in a City of Menifee essay contest read their essays titled "What does the Flag mean to me?" More than 115 essays were submitted by students at 11 Menifee schools.

Editor's note: A video presentation with highlights of this ceremony and other Veterans Day events held locally will be published on Tuesday.

Mayor Bill Zimmerman (left) and City Council member Greg August addressed the crowd Sunday.

Marine Corps veterans Julio and Nancy Rodriguez were the keynote speakers during the ceremony.

An empty seat at a table represents MIAs and POWs who have not returned home.