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“In towns and cities... there is no more important institution than the local paper.”
Warren Buffett
La Mirada Mayor Anthony A. Otero
October 31, 2022~To all veterans and those serving in our nation’s Armed Forces today, thank you for your time, bravery, and sacrifice you have given our country. We are grateful for your actions to preserve America’s freedom. Honoring our veterans is an important tradition in La Mirada and I encourage the community to attend two upcoming events to recognize our local heroes.
The City’s 20th annual Salute to Veterans event will be held on Monday, November 7 at 6 p.m. at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. The event will include displays of military memorabilia, information on veterans’ resources, guest speakers, and a patriotic ceremony with the presentation of colors by the Southeast Academy. This year’s keynote speaker is Major General Blake Orner, who is the Deputy Government Relations Director for Paralyzed Veterans of America. The event includes musical entertainment by The Masters of Harmony, La Mirada High School Band, and The Hollywood Dolls (40’s Swing) that the community will not want to miss. New this year is the addition of a war era car exhibit featuring vehicles from World War I to the War on Terror.
The second event will be a Veterans Day Ceremony to be held on Friday, November 11 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the La Mirada Civic Center Plaza. A military banner retirement ceremony will recognize local veterans: Andrew Amarillas, Benjamin Brown, Jacob Golia, Marisol Gonzalez, Maritza Lizalde, Jonathan Lopez, Kyle Madden, David Jacob Mireles, and Matthew Salazar for recently completing their military service. A flag walk from the La Mirada Theatre Center to the Civic Center will take place prior to the ceremony along La Mirada Boulevard to celebrate and recognize all veterans. We are especially grateful to the La Mirada Veterans Coordinating Council for their dedicated service assisting with both recognition events.
The City of La Mirada continues to honor active members of the Armed Forces through the Military Banner program and Blue Star program. There are currently 80 participants in the Military Banner program whose banners are proudly displayed along Rosecrans Avenue. The Blue Star program provides flags to be displayed at the homes of families who have a loved one serving in the Armed Forces.
To honor La Mirada residents who gave their lives in service to our county, the names of 28 veterans are proudly engraved in the Eternal Flame Memorial located within the La Mirada Civic Center Plaza. The flame burns continuously above the names of those we honor in remembrance of their ultimate sacrifice.
On behalf of the City of La Mirada, thank you to all veterans for your sacrifice, bravery, and service. Happy Veterans Day.
Sincerely,
Anthony A. Otero
La Mirada Mayor