News Release

Moreno Valley to Host 10th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony

For immediate release: November 1, 2017

Colonel Earl T. Williams of the United States Air Force (Ret.) will serve as this year’s keynote speaker. Colonel Williams, a 98 year old World War II veteran, will share a compelling story from his time in service to our nation. This is an increasingly rare experience to hear first-hand comments from a World War II vet. Colonel Williams survived the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 as a 22-year-old assistant crew chief in the Army Air Corps. He served the country for 29 years and did not seek recognition for the injuries he sustained by enemy fire that day at Hickam Field. In addition to Williams’ moving presentation, attendees can look forward to a memorable program including:

• The recognition of the 2017 Heroes for Heroes award winner. The Heroes for Heroes program honors the significant efforts of individuals or organizations that benefit veterans, reserve and active duty military personnel.
• The Moreno Valley Master Chorale will perform several patriotic songs and melodies. The Chorale was founded in 1986, the Chorale is active in our community with several annual performances including participation in many City of Moreno Valley and regional events.
• The Presentation of Colors will be performed by members of the award-winning Rancho Verde High School AFJROTC Color Guard.
• Blue Eagles Total Force Honor Guard Senior Airman Renee McKinney will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The Blue Eagles Honor Guard is a combined group of Active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve ceremonial guards. The team, based at March Air Reserve Base, also performs military funeral honors and ceremonial functions.
• The Moreno Valley Unified School District Elementary School Choir will perform celebratory and patriotic songs. The choir is part of a thriving performing arts group which continues to grow through MVUSD’s focus on the arts.
• Artwork created by local elementary students will be on display as expressions of their gratitude for the service and sacrifice of veterans.

 The City of Moreno Valley would like to thank the volunteers from the Riverside County Fire Explorer program whose hard work will help to make this year’s Veterans Day Ceremony possible.

The City will be accepting donations of hygiene items on behalf of U.S. VETS to help meet the needs of local veterans. Items such as shampoo, soap, shaving cream, disposable razors, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes will be at the Veterans Day event. Collection boxes will also be available at City Hall and the Moreno Valley Public Library beginning November 3, 2017.  Since the early 1990s the United States Veterans Initiative (U.S. VETS), a national nonprofit social service agency that serves only veterans has been meeting the housing, employment, and counseling services needs of veterans from every branch of the U.S. military. The U.S. VETS housing center located at the March Air Reserve Base provides housing and supportive services to approximately100 veterans.

For more information about the City’s Veterans Day Ceremony please call 951.413.3008.