City of San Bernardino Celebrates its Veterans
with a Special Veterans Day Ceremony
San Bernardino military veterans were honored for their service as part of the City’s annual Veterans Day Salute, held on Saturday, November 11 before a large crowd in front of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument at the Feldheym Library.
Special recognition was given to three San Bernardino natives for their service: Ruben Luis, Gilbert Andres Munoz, and James R. Valdez, Jr. (posthumously).
All veterans in attendance were presented with a commemorative challenge coin in recognition for their service.
Among the dignitaries paying tribute to the veterans were Mayor Helen Tran, City Council Members Sandra Ibarra, Juan Figueroa, Fred Shorett, Ben Reynoso, and Kimberly Calvin, Assembly Member Eloise Gomez Reyes, and County Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.
Other participants included the San Bernardino Police Department Color Guard, Pastor Ray Turner, and Cajon High School student Hayden Croteau, who performed the National Anthem and God Bless America.
Sergeant Ruben Luis joined the Marines after his graduation from San Bernardino High in 1967. During his service during the Vietnam War, Sergeant Luis earned the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He continues to be active in the local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans and volunteers at the veteran garden.
Gilbert Munoz, now 95, served the U.S. Marines Air Force and was stationed in Waikiki, Hawaii and Camp Pendleton. Upon his honorable discharge, Munoz worked for many years at George Air Force Base in communications. He continues to be active, maintaining his yard and spending time with his 25 children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Hospital Corpsman 1st Class James Valdez Jr. served for 20 years in the U.S. Navy. After retiring in 1969, Valdez remained active by serving on the Boards of the Local Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America and the San Bernardino Historical and Pioneer Society. He also sponsored patriotism contests in elementary schools and provided scholarships for college bound students. His award was accepted posthumously by his sister and members of his family.
