Rep. Mary Bono Mack praises sacrifices made by veterans, troops

MyDesert.com
Tamara H. Sone

From the flower drop at the Palm Springs Air Museum to a free breakfast for active military and veterans at Spotlight 29 Casino, Monday was full of Memorial Day celebrations around the Coachella Valley.

In Indio, more than 100 residents and guests gathered outside the Montecito Clubhouse at Sun City Shadow Hills for the third annual Memorial Day Ceremony.

A light breeze kept the crowd cool as they listened to guest speaker Rep. Mary Bono Mack stress the importance of not forgetting those who fought for freedom.

“I am truly honored to be with you today for this very special and most sacred observance,” Bono Mack, R-Palm Springs, said.

“But even more importantly, I stand here this morning inspired and humbled by the extraordinary sacrifices that millions of Americans have made throughout our nation’s long history,” she added.

Indio Mayor Pro Tem Glenn Miller, and council members Elaine Holmes, Sam Torres and Mike Wilson were in attendance, showing support for the troops.

Members from the La Quinta High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps — Alyssa Weigel, Luis Carceda, Kristen Balmes and Genesis Acosta, all 16 — raised and lowered the American flag to half-staff.

“Most Americans forget the sacrifices that are being made overseas by soldiers. Today is a day to honor them,” Alyssa said.

The flag, which was flown over the Capitol, was donated to the club by Bono Mack.

“When the flag is lowered, it will be retired. The club will make an appropriate case and the flag will be displayed in the clubhouse,” club president Tom Hutson said.

Daniel Lopez from Shadow Hills High School played taps in honor of the fallen.

With heads bowed, guests listened as Lt. Brian Gibbons from the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command in Twentynine Palms read the invocation and benediction for the ceremony.

“We thank you for the gift of liberty that was fraught with sacrifice and hardship, and we ask you today to help us not take that for granted,” Gibbons read.

After the event, guests were treated to coffee and doughnuts while mingling and exchanging stories about their military experiences.

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