Veterans dedication ceremony kicks off Memorial Day weekend

A Veterans dedication ceremony kicked off Memorial Day weekend Friday night at Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park in La Quinta.

All branches of military honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“We remember the 1.1 million Americans that died in combat,” Tom Freeman, veteran and one of the event organizers said.

“[We honor] Those who have given so much for the freedoms of our country,” Daniel Smith III, a veteran and co-organizer of the event, added.

The dedication ceremony was hosted by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, the Coachella Valley Water District and Supervisor Manuel Perez.

“It’s great that the public servants, our politicians if you will, recognize what veterans have done. The fact that they’re dedicating Lake Cahuilla out to the veterans is really special and we appreciate it,” John Ellis, local veteran, said.

Some of the improvements at the park include a wall memorial with dedication plaques and five flagpoles, which display the flags of each military branch.

“We have a visual effect coming into this park. And the flags are definitely in an order of precedence for each branch of their service,” said Smith III.

Brigadier General Russell Muncy, Vice Commander, 4th Air Force was the guest speaker for the evening.

“It’s just an opportunity to come out and pay tribute to those before me, just before I retire and join the veteran force,” said Muncy.

A patriot time-capsule was also buried in a secret location at the park.

“Veterans from around the Valley and their family members have all contributed, and those time capsule items will be placed in the time capsule, buried, and reopened in 25 years,” said Freeman.

The ceremony ended in a firework spectacular.