Veterans Day was especially meaningful to the residents and staff at Westmont of Riverside. The property, formerly named Air Force Village West, is one of the largest retirement communities in California and home to many retired military service members and their families. A volunteer committee of twelve residents decided to commemorate this year’s Veterans Day by unveiling a bronze plaque at the community’s entrance. “We are dedicating this plaque to all those past, present and future resident veterans, spouses, and widows in recognition of their sacrifices to our country,” said Bill Baltazar, Lt. Col. US Air Force, (Ret.), chairperson of the Veteran’s Appreciation Committee. The event held on Veterans Day involved many people, starting with an invocation by Chaplain Don Lederer, Major, U.S. Air Force, (Ret.); the honor guard hailed from the California Military Institute under the direction of David Sibley, Master Sergeant U.S. Marine Corps, (Ret.); followed by a bugle performance of The Star Spangled Banner by Cadet Matthew Rodriguez and to end the unveiling ceremony, a rendition of God Bless America was sung by Monya Henry, Executive Director, Westmont of Riverside. Westmont of Riverside is located at 17050 Arnold Drive, Riverside. For more information, please call 951-697-2100 or visit http://www.westmont-village.com/. Photos courtesy of Bradley Westwood, Explore Further Photography.
