Last year, Adriana Ponce observed, “Life can be stressful, we are all occupied with pursuing our dreams. However, I feel that it is essential that we should take one day out of our lives to thank those who made it possible for our dreams to come true. This is why Veteran’s Day is so important.”

In a detailed and thought provoking essay titled, What Veteran’s Day Means to Me, Ponce simply reminded readers of the sacrifices that are made for fellow Americans every day. One of the dozens of area youth who entered the annual Dr. Charles Koehler Memorial Veteran’s Day Essay contest, Ponce was selected as the winner and rewarded with a savings bond for $100. Second and third place writers were then presented savings bonds for $75, or $50.

With Veteran’s Day approaching, schools and area youth are once again urged to submit their thoughts about What Veteran’s Day Means to Me. The essay contest is judged each year by a committee of local veterans.

Joe Dean, Commander, American Legion Post 772 has reason to appreciate the essays. “Attendance at our annual celebration continues to grow and I am happy with the way the city is helping to bridge the gap between generations to help our youth better understand the importance of our Veterans.”

This past year, more than any other, Dean has proudly witnessed the commitment of the entire community to American Veterans.

The Year in Review

Within the last year, Fontana has seen some remarkable tributes to troops. It all began with the last Veteran’s Day event. Making front page news and radio, the Inland Empire was made aware of just how deep the appreciation of our military goes in this community. The event moved many to tears and made all aware of how profoundly in-tune the younger generation is with sacrifices made for our country.

Many have also noticed the banners lining Merrill and Sierra Avenues. The Military Recognition Banner Program sponsored by the Fontana Area Chamber of Commerce began in late 2007 as a way of recognizing those who have served or are currently serving our country. Thousands drive daily beneath the names of eighteen local marines, airmen, navy shipmen, and soldiers and are reminded of sacrifices made by our troops.

In May, the American Legion Post 772 made history when they arranged for the Veteran’s Traveling Memorial Wall to be placed on display 24 hours a day for one week at the new Miller Park Amphitheater. A Prisoner of War panel display and a public ceremony were all a part of the momentous event.

“Our nation and the freedoms we enjoy have been bought with the blood of our finest men and women. It is important that we remember the sacrifice that is required and the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall is one way to demonstrate the sacrifice that tens of thousands of American families had to make especially at a time when America once again finds itself on the front lines of freedom’s cause,” observed Mayor Mark Nuaimi.

The wall was well attended. An estimated 10,000 people attended and 100 volunteers donated 1,000 hours.

The Tribute Continues

The public is invited to attend the tribute on November 11 at 11 am at Veteran’s Park. The event will include speeches by dignitaries, color guard, bagpipe performance, and the essay contest presentation.

The Military Recognition Banner Program is an on-going project. Families or friends who would like to recognize their favorite trooper may submit an application to the. The banners are paid for through donations. Families or friends who would like to recognize the favorite trooper may submit an application to the American Legion Post 262 at adjutant@calegionpost262.org or via fax at (909) 350-6616. For application information, please call (909) 823-8061.

Essays 250 words or less titled What Veteran’s Day Means to Me are currently being accepted at the Community Services Department, 9460 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, CA 92394. Essays may be emailed to plehman@fontana.org. Please call (909) 428-8360 for information.