I recently attended a ceremony at the Riverside National Cemetery to honor an elderly veteran who died with no known family or close relatives. Our local American Legion, Post 53, sent their motorcycle group to escort the body to the cemetery and many members attended the service. If you are a veteran you should consider joining our local American Legion post and support those members who were physically or mentally impacted by their service. Last Memorial Day I attended the annual ceremony at the cemetery and photographed an elderly couple strolling among the hundreds of flags which had been placed at each grave. I don’t know if he or she was a veteran or if they were visiting the grave of their child buried there. Perhaps they were visiting the plot provided to them as veterans.
I encourage each of you to find your own way to recognize our heroes. Both you and the veterans will be the better for your recognition.
Dick Gale
President of the Democrats of Hemet – San Jacinto
From the Democrats of Hemet - San Jacinto
Veterans
I realize that while you are reading this Veteran’s Day has passed but I am writing this on Veteran’s Day. In my 70s I have had the privilege to know several WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans. They all have something in common, courage and love for our country. Yesterday I witnessed someone anonymously pay for the dinner of a Korean veteran at a Hemet restaurant (He was wearing a Korean veteran hat). Some local restaurants are offering a free meal to veterans today. Our local park is decorated with hundreds of American flags. A special ceremony is being held at the Riverside National Cemetery. We all owe a debt of gratitude to those who have served, especially those who served in a combat zone.
There are many ways for you to show your appreciation for the sacrifices our veterans have made. One way is to vote for our current U.S. Representative Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz. While he has not personally served, as a Congressman he has championed many veteran causes including most recently introducing legislation to address the issue of burn pits. As a medical doctor, he has been pushing for better care for all of our veterans. I recently attended a ceremony at the Riverside National Cemetery to honor an elderly veteran who died with no known family or close relatives. Our local American Legion, Post 53, sent their motorcycle group to escort the body to the cemetery and many members attended the service. If you are a veteran you should consider joining our local American Legion post and support those members who were physically or mentally impacted by their service. Last Memorial Day I attended the annual ceremony at the cemetery and photographed an elderly couple strolling among the hundreds of flags which had been placed at each grave. I don’t know if he or she was a veteran or if they were visiting the grave of their child buried there. Perhaps they were visiting the plot provided to them as veterans.
