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Community Corner

Opening Ceremony of Murrieta Field of Honor Pays Tribute to Local Heroes

Residents, dignitaries and veterans gathered Saturday at Town Square Park to pay tribute to local first responders and military, as 2,013 American flags are on display until Nov. 16

Saturday afternoon in Historic Downtown Murrieta was filled with excitement and the sounds of hot rods revving up their engines along Historic Route 395 for the debut of the Murrieta Rod Run. Yet, at 1 p.m., part of the Rod Run crowd made its way to Town Square Park, just a few blocks away, for the opening ceremony of the fifth annual Murrieta Field of Honor.

The ceremony honored local veterans and active military personnel, as well as the Murrieta Police and Fire Departments for their dedication, professionalism and involvement in the community.

“The City of Murrieta is the eighth safest city, and the second safest city other than violent crime rates, in the entire U.S.” said Murrieta Mayor Rick Gibbs. “What I want to tell you ladies and gentlemen is that you have a professional police and fire department, so let’s honor them today.”

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In addition to Gibbs, keynote speakers included: Police Chief Sean Hadden, Fire Chief Matt Shobert, Riverside County Supervisor Jeff Stone, Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez (R-Lake Elsinore), and Murrieta Rotary Club President Patsy Orr. Councilman Randon Lane and Rotary Club members also attended the event.

Melendez, a U.S. Navy veteran, encouraged the community to thank their local veterans, as they are often seen wearing their distinct and decorated hats that display which war or engagement they were involved with.

“As a veteran myself, I look out into this field and see freedom. I want to encourage all of you to show your appreciation to our veterans and thank them for their service,” she said.

The community is encouraged to visit the Field of Honor, which is on display until Saturday, Nov. 16. A series of events following Saturday's opening ceremony will include:

Sun., Nov. 10 – Noon, U.S. Marines 238th birthday celebration

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Mon., Nov. 11 – 10 a.m., City of Murrieta’s Veterans Day Parade, followed by Veterans Memorial Rose Garden dedication and Murrieta Valley High School Band concert.

Tues., Nov. 12 – 6 p.m., Candlelight Ceremony features choirs from the four Murrieta middle schools and a reading of “Letters from War” by the Regal Players.

Wed., Nov. 13 – Noon, Rotary Day at the Field by reservation with veterans being guests of Rotary

Sat., Nov. 16 – 2 p.m., “Day of Remembrance” and closing ceremonies will feature local singer-songwriters Jessie Andra Smith and John Lane.

Those who wish to purchase a flag can contact the Murrieta Rotary Club or visit, www.murrietafieldofhonor.com

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