Mountain Views News          Saturday, November 14, 2015

5

AROUND SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

Mountain Views-News Saturday, November 14, 2015 

DUARTE AND MONROVIA HONOR VETERANS


Judy Chu presents Certificate of Recognition to Scott Sinclair Allied Veterans Council 
of San Gabriel Valley and David Magallanes, Band Leader, Monrovia High School Band 
performs every year at this.

By Joan Schmidt

Every Veterans Day neighboring cities Duarte and 
Monrovia honor Veterans and synchronize their 
event times so one can attend both!

 Duarte‘s event occurs at Thorsen Park; always a 
good turnout. Among those attending were Mayor 
Paras-Caracci, City Council Members Finlay and 
Fasana, LASD Sgt. Haynes and Brian Villalobos 
from Public Safety. From American Legion Post 
#44, Chuck Keen did the Invocation; and Earle 
Sweeney, Pledge of Allegiance. Assemblyman 
Roger Hernandez thanked our Veterans and made 
a presentation. Guest Speakers included School 
Board Vice President Ken Bell and Gil Zepeda, an 
Army Sergeant who told of his experience in Iraq. 
His Company of twelve lost five in Iraq-a ring he 
wears bears their names. When their tour began, 
these twelve didn’t know each other, but left as 
brothers. Sgt. Zepeda told us that while stationed 
there, the Iraqis received the right to vote. Iraqis 
traveled a long distance by foot in excruciating 
heat to do so. It was twelve miles between voting 
booths; many had reached their capacity, so the 
person had to walk another twelve miles to the next 
booth! Sometimes the next booth also had reached 
its capacity. Some Iraqis didn’t even get to vote 
but were thrilled they had the OPPORTUNITY 
to do so. Sergeant Zepeda understood why we 
were there- fighting so the Iraqis could have the 
freedoms we have in America.

 Melida Smith did her awesome renditions of the 
National Anthem and God Bless America. Brian 
Mejia from Supervisor Antonovich’s office read the 
names of all Duarte service members-Veterans and 
Active duty Personnel. 

 The City of Duarte extended SPECIAL THANKS 
to ALL VETERANS, Guest Speakers Ken Bell and 
Sgt. Zepeda, Vocalist Melida Smith, American 
Legion Post #44, Mark Perez for his rendition of 
Taps, Boy Scout Troop # 185, Monrovia Coffee 
Bean and Tea Leaf, Duarte Kiwanis Club and 
WePackItAll.

 In neighboring Monrovia, once again, The Allied 
Veterans Council of the San Gabriel Valley held 
their annual VETERANS DAY OBSERVANCE at 
Library Park.

 Welcome was by Scott Sinclair, President of the 
Allied Veterans Council. Monrovia VFW Post 
#2070 Color Guard including Willie Williams, Ron 
Handy, Brain Harley and Al Noll posted colors, 
followed by Monrovia High School Band’s rendition 
of the National Anthem. Invocation was by Chuck 
Keen, American Legion Post #44, introductions 
of local dignitaries by Sinclair and American the 
Beautiful by MHS Band. Captain Ammon Van 
Orden, U.S. Army was guest speaker and told about 
choices we make and how they influence our lives. 
He chose to attend ROTC Classes and served our 
country, for example. Lt. Colonel Charles Wiest, 
Civil Air Patrol recognized all veterans present by 
naming each branch of service; members stood as 
he thanked them for various freedoms.

 The Blue Star Families were also recognized. 
Monrovia was one of the first cities to participate 
in the program. Banners representing active duty 
personnel are hung throughout the City. When their 
military service is done, the banners are presented 
to them.

 Lt. Colonel Wiest placed the Memorial Wreath, 
followed by God Bless America. Janine Coyne from 
the Allied Vets Council read the explanation of the 
Flag Folding, assisted by Willie Williams, VFW 
post 2070. Chuck Keen, American Legion Post#44 
did the Benediction, and MHS Band, TAPS. After 
a Moment of Silence, Colors were retired by VFW# 
2070.

 Special thanks to Allied Veterans Council for this 
awesome event and the City of Monrovia for the use 
of Library Park and Presentation. Also, VFW Post 
#2070, American Legion Post # 44, Congresswoman 
Judy Chu who presented a Certificate to the Allied 
Vets Council and MHS Band (Director, Daniel 
Magallanes), City of Arcadia for a Certificate 
presented by City Clerk/Navy Vet, Gene Glasco, 
MHS Band, and many volunteers, young and old.

 It was heartwarming to see the entire Monrovia 
City Council present as well as City Manager Oliver 
Chi, City Treasurer Steve Baker, Police Chief Jim 
Hunt and MPD Captain Alan Sanvictores. A Great 
celebration and gratitude for our Vets!


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com