Veterans were honored at Eternal Valley on Monday morning during the Memorial Day Tribute 2023 ceremony.

The ceremony featured a World War II AT6 aircraft flyover by the Condor Squadron, the singing of the national anthem by Valencia High School student Tomi Lessis, musical performances by the Santa Clarita Valley Concert Band, a rifle salute by the Ronald Reagan Marine Corps League, and more. 

Congressman Mike Garcia, Santa Clarita Mayor Jason Gibbs, and former Santa Clarita city councilor and mayor Bob Kellar spoke at the ceremony. 

“While this nation isn’t perfect, the brave men and women who gave their lives in defense of her are perfect,” Congressman Garcia said while delivering his speech. “Land of the free because of the brave.”

“Remembering ensures that good, and evil, will not be forgotten,” Vietnam veteran, Jerry Rhodes, U.S. Army, said while acknowledging wreath donors for this year’s ceremony.

“We must always remember that the price of freedom isn’t free,” keynote speaker and Vietnam veteran, Bill Hutton, U.S. Marine, said during his address. 

World War II veteran Don Kuehl, 98, who is shown in the photo below, was given a standing ovation during the ceremony.

This is the 35th year Eternal Valley has hosted its Memorial Day Tribute event. 

Several other city leaders and dignitaries were present to honor veterans at the remembrance ceremony.

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