Cathedral City Veterans Day Ceremony Features Student Contest Winners

CATHEDRAL CITY, CA — Cathedral City Councilwoman Rita Lamb will present awards to local elementary school students who won an essay and poetry contest at next week's Veterans Day Ceremony, officials said Tuesday.

The free ceremony, hosted by American Veterans Post 66 and the Jon Castro Chapter of Veterans For Peace, will be held at 10 a.m. on Nov. 11 at Desert Memorial Park, 31-705 Da Vall Drive.

Lamb, who has previously received the Friend of the Veteran Award, will present awards to students from Cathedral City and Sunny Sands elementary school who won the contest, called "Thank You Letter to Veterans." Each student will read their submissions and will also receive a $100 cash prize.

"It's an honor to recognize both our veterans and the next generation who appreciate their service," Lamb said. "These students' words remind us of the importance of remembering those who served our country."

Prince Fleet Easton and vocalist JB will perform the national anthem, and Bishop Nick Sakis will lead the benediction with Byron Wirth to play Taps.

Participating speakers will include Palm Springs Councilman Jeffrey Bernstein, Palm Springs Councilman and national president of American Veterans For Equal Rights James Apedaile, and Lee Wilson of Fallen Heroes, who will introduce Gold Star Family members.

Additionally, special recognition will be given to Palm Springs Police Officer and Marine Corps veteran Jorge Diaz, and Natalina Garritano, a World War II survivor who was rescued by an American army soldier, officials said.