For immediate release
November 3, 2015

The City of Moreno Valley is pleased to host the 8th Annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Moreno Valley Veterans Memorial on Wednesday, November 11th` 3:30 p.m.  The City Council is honored to have Major General John C. Flournoy, Jr., Commander, Fourth Air Force, USAFR address the community as the featured speaker for the 2015 Veterans Day Ceremony.

The Program
In addition to General Flournoy honoring the community as the featured speaker, the community can look forward to a memorable program including:

• Riverside National Cemetery’s Semper Fi #1 Memorial Honor Detail will present colors and perform the “13-Fold” Ceremony. The Semper Fi #1 Memorial Honor Detail is made up of retired or former Marines who volunteer their time to honor veterans that are interred at Riverside National Cemetery. They also help create distinction at community events by maintaining the honorable display and handling of the United States flag.
• The Moreno Valley Master Chorale will perform several patriotic songs and melodies. The Moreno Valley Master Chorale was founded in 1986 to produce, promote, and preserve the live choral experience and is active with several annual performances and participation in many City of Moreno Valley and regional events.
• 4th grader Aubrey Davis from Cloverdale Elementary School will sing the National Anthem. Having recently performed at the City’s Artoberfest, Miss Davis is a source of pride for Cloverdale and the Moreno Valley Unified School District.
• Members of the Knights of Columbus, A.F. Chelbana Assembly will lay the wreath in honor of all who have served the country.  The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal organization that offers leadership training and volunteer opportunities at St. Christopher Catholic Church and in the community.

The ceremony will be followed by an informal reception with light refreshments and displays of thoughtful artwork prepared by Moreno Valley students.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive
To support the hospitality service provided by volunteers at March Air Reserve Base’s Hangar 385 for departing and returning war zone soldiers, the City will be accepting contributions of peanut butter (creamy or chunky) and jelly (strawberry or grape). Since 2004, soldiers have been greeted and sent off by volunteers who work hard to be that “little bit of home” for so many who need it before they leave or as soon as they return.

About Major General John C. Flournoy, Jr. Commander, Fourth Air Force, USAFR
Maj. Gen. John C. Flournoy, Jr., is Commander of the 4th Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command, at March Air Reserve Base. Command responsibilities under the  Fourth Air Force encompass 300 units and more than 30,000  personnel. More information about the Fourth Air Force can be found on the March Air Reserve Base website.

General Flournoy joined the Air Force in 1986 as a graduate of the Reserve Officers Training Corps at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. While on active duty, the General served as a B-52 pilot and T-37 instructor pilot. He joined the Air Force Reserve in 1991 as an HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter pilot and became an Air Reserve Technician in 1994.

General Flournoy is highly decorated with 16 awards and decorations. He has served as a staff officer for Headquarters U.S. Air Force and Headquarters 22nd Air Force. He commanded the 440th Operations Group, the 386th Expeditionary Operations Group, the 932nd Airlift Wing, and 349th Air Mobility Wing. Prior to his current assignment at MARB, he was Commander of the Air Reserve Personnel Center, Buckley AFB, Colorado.

The City of Moreno Valley is grateful for the assistance of volunteers from the Riverside County Fire Explorer program and the Soroptimist International of Moreno Valley group to help make the event a success.

For more information, please call 951.413.3008. Click here to view the video promotion.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, any person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in this event should direct such requests to Guy Pegan, ADA Coordinator, at 951.413.3120 at least 72 hours before the event. The 72-hour notification will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility and participation in this event.