6th Annual Salute to America's Veterans Ceremony, One to Remember by Kayla Sheldon - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

6th Annual Salute to America's Veterans Ceremony, One to Remember

By Kayla Sheldon, Staff Writer
November 9, 2015 at 08:39am. Views: 170

The morning sun was shining down on a myriad of Veterans, community members, as well as supportive family and friends this past Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary in Colton for the 6th Annual "A Salute to America's Veterans" Ceremony. This year was as special as the last as the Honorary Veteran of the event, Sergeant Clayton Dunn, was the epitome of a brave, selfless soldier and hero to not only his family, friends, and community, but to America as well. Sgt. Dunn, born on Nov. 2, 1984, served in the 2-505A Airborne Division on Operation Iraqi Freedom and died while serving his country on May 26, 2007. Sgt. Dunn had only been married to his wife Haidy for nearly three years and had a three-month old baby, Grace, at the time. Grace is now eight-years-old and she shared a poem with everyone that she wrote herself. An excerpt from the poem stated, “I believe that Veteran’s Day is one of the most special holidays. It is very special to me because we honor people who have fought for our country; including my dad…my dad was one of those men that gave his life for me and my country.” Grace concluded the poem by saying, “everyone must not forget those who helped to keep our country safe and that is why Veteran’s Day is my favorite holiday.” “It doesn’t seem like a long marriage, it was a short one, but it was definitely a memorable one,” Haidy shared. “In our short marriage he was able to leave me with so many lasting memories, memories that I’m now able to share with our daughter Grace.” Cub Scouts Pack 242 of Grand Terrace kicked off the event with the posting of the colors as Sebastian Popoff of the Webelos Scout, Pack 242 lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Colton Ladies Auxiliary Veteran’s of Foreign War Post 6476, Sadie Corona and Sylvia Espitia gracefully did the Placing of the Wreath. The 21 Gun-Salute was by none other than the Colton Veteran’s of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6476. “This is the face of America’s sacrifice…Even though their loved ones are gone, we bury a tremendous and honorable burden as a society to continue to lift them up every single day. To honor their loved one’s sacrifice, to remember what they fought for and to ensure that the memory and the great amazing honor of what they did for this nation shall never be forgotten,” Lieutenant Commander Paul Chabot said while presenting the Honorary Veteran award to Sgt. Dunn’s wife Haidy, daughter Grace, and mother Aminta.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

September 29, 2026 at 10:13am. Views: 1236

The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra celebrates its founding in style with a Roaring Twenties-themed gala fundraiser on October 17 at 5p.m. The orchestra invites supporters to celebrate the community, music, and legacy it has built over nearly a century.

Photo Courtesy of: Colton Joint Unified School District

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 05:05pm. Views: 382

Music students at Colton High School will soon enjoy a larger space with more storage, practice rooms, better acoustics and better space for creating, learning and performing. Construction on the Buildings is Set to Start in 2027

Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:05am. Views: 995

State, Local Education Leaders Highlight Nearly $162 Million in CalKIDS Scholarships Available to San Bernardino County Students.

Photo Courtesy of: CIty News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:11pm. Views: 688

An October 2026 study from Loma Linda University suggests a simple dietary change may influence inflammation-related measures in older adults. A bowl of walnuts sits alongside a nutritious breakfast, illustrating the everyday dietary choice examined in Loma Linda University research.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:28pm. Views: 503

San Bernardino Drug Take Back Day 2026, prescription medication disposal, San Bernardino Police Department, October 24, medication safety, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Community collection efforts offer families a convenient way to remove unwanted prescription drugs from their homes while promoting public safety and protecting the environment.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI-generated illustrations

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:24pm. Views: 351

Long before modern freeways reshaped the Inland Empire, the railroad helped establish San Bernardino as a transportation center. Trains brought passengers, goods, workers and new business opportunities into the region, connecting a growing Southern California community with destinations across the country.

Photo Courtesy of: California Historical Society Collection, USC Libraries Special Collections.

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:22pm. Views: 469

As Redlands continues to grow, its surviving citrus groves offer a living connection to the industry that shaped the city's neighborhoods, economy and identity. Orange trees heavy with fruit line a grove in Redlands around 1900, with snow-covered Mount San Bernardino visible in the distance. The photograph documents the citrus industry that played a central role in the city's early development.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:19pm. Views: 654

The City of Redlands will host Plane-or-Treat at Redlands Municipal Airport on October 25, featuring trick-or-treating, entertainment and family activities. An AI-generated illustration

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 753

Festive University of Redlands Homecoming celebration, with alumni, students, and families gathered on campus wearing maroon Bulldogs apparel. A bulldog mascot greets attendees while cheerleaders and a marching band perform near decorated tents and balloons, with university buildings and mountains in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group - AI-generated illustration

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:11pm. Views: 383

Moreno Valley is preparing to celebrate one of Mexico's most meaningful cultural traditions with an evening dedicated to remembrance, family and community.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group - AI-generated illustration

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:11pm. Views: 368

Moreno Valley Unified School District is continuing its parent education efforts with an October workshop focused on social-emotional learning, positive behavior and bullying prevention.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group - AI-generated illustrations

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 20, 2026 at 04:11pm. Views: 479

A new chapter in Moreno Valley's cultural development is taking shape as the city introduces residents to its Museum & ArtSpace, a destination intended to bring visual art, creative experiences and community engagement into greater focus.

--> -->