Veterans Day Remembered Across Riverside County Amid Government Shutdown

MURRIETA, CA — On the streets, in the parks and from the air, Riverside County residents gathered to pay tribute to veterans. Local government offices were closed even as the federal government remained shuttered, with its ripple effects compounding traditions, such as the Honoring the Fallen flag placement at the Riverside National Cemetery.

The cemetery, although it remained quiet on November 11, was open to visitors. When you go, staff may not be on hand to receive visitors, a cemetery spokesperson shared in a recent news release.

"We are focused on internments only," during the federal government's lapse in appropriations, they said. "The cemetery is open for visitation between dawn and dusk seven days a weekFor additional information, visit: department.va.gov/contingency-planning."

Honoring the Fallen was unable to manage the flag planting and large-scale annual Veterans Day events as usual, due to the government shutdown. They invited family members to plant their own flags at gravesites in memory of the fallen this year.

"Happy Veterans Day to ALL of our nation's veterans," a spokesperson for Honoring the Fallen wrote on social media. "You have selflessly served our nation and we are forever in debt to you. Today we honor you and your commitment to defending our nation's freedom and liberty. May God bless each of you today and every day."

Read also: Families Asked To Plant Flags At Riverside National Cemetery, Honoring The Fallen, Cancels Veterans Day Events

In Murrieta, the city first celebrated with a parade, followed by a walk to the Field of Honor. This annual display is erected at Town Square Park, located on Adams Avenue and Kalmia Street. "The Field of Honor is established every November as a memorial to those who have died while serving in the U.S. Armed Services, and a salute to those who have completed their service or remain on active duty," a city spokesperson said.

The field includes sections for Medal of Honor recipients, military personnel from Riverside and San Bernardino counties who have been killed in the line of duty since 2003, historical flags, a flag dedicated to those who were killed in the 9/11 terror attacks, and state flags, according to the Rotary Club of Murrieta, which annually presents the field in association with Old Town Temecula and the city of Murrieta.

This is the 17th year the field has been presented. More than 2,000 3 3-by-5-foot American flags will be on display through Friday. Chalk artwork around the field emphasizes the contributions provided by service members, their families, and others during wartime.

Further information is available at www.murrietarotaryclub.org/murrieta-field-of-honor.

In Norco, the Norco Lions Club also celebrated Veterans Day on Tuesday. They planned a ceremony at George A. Ingalls Veterans Memorial Plaza (3737 Crestview Drive). featuring speeches, live performances, and memorable moments to recognize local veterans for their service and sacrifice. Following that ceremony, they held a picnic in the park barbecue, at Pikes Peak Park (97 Sixth Street), sponsored by the Norco Lions Club.

In Desert Hot Springs, and in the air over Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley celebrated its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Tuesday at Veterans Park, featuring a flyover provided by the Palm Springs Air Museum and participants ranging from veterans to local leaders and community members.

The ceremony included Marine bagpiper Joel M. Daniel; a presentation of colors by Desert Hot Springs High School MCJROTC; the national anthem performed by Candess Tarrant; and an invocation by Bishop Marty Webster.

There was also a salute to veterans led by U.S. Army Purple Heart recipient Senior Airman Eric Sanchez, plus a plaque dedication and closing remarks by Mayor Scott Matas.

"Veterans Day reminds us that the freedoms we enjoy every day were not given -- they were earned through the courage and sacrifice of those who served," Matas said. "Desert Hot Springs is proud to stand with our veterans today and every day."