The Falling Solders Table was on display at American Legion Post 397 during our special celebration.

Commander Gabriel Suarez welcomed every one to this event. He has been the commander of this post for 12 years. We recognize all of our veterans.

Leonard Ojeda asked Jesus to please bless the veterans with their continue struggles. They protect us.

Boy Scouts from Troop 329 led our Pledge of Allegiance and posted our colors. Rocky Woo is their leader.

Karlee Shannon sang our National Anthem and the audience joined her in our song.

Commander Gabriel Suarez asked for a moment of silence to remember all of those who have passed. Please remember your veterans.

He introduced Mayor Henry Lo, Councilmember Hans Liang, City Clerk Vince Chang, Sandra Armenta from Senator Susa Rubio’s office, members of the Monterey Park Police Department and members of the Monterey Park Fire Department.

Miyoko Toy, US Navy Veteran said she served her tour of duty from a plane not a boat. She visited many of their boats as part of her job. She enjoyed her time in the Navy. I joined to further my education and help my husband with his Immigration papers so he could become  a US citizen.

9/11 changed their plans. They helped to keep our families safe. She loved being in the military. She loves the Legion. They help the veterans. We are blessed. Thank you for your support.

Savannah Christensen , US Army Veteran said she joined the Army at age 21. She wanted a family. She makes music to bring people together. Thank you for this opportunity. It is all good.

Jeff Chen, US Marine Corps Veteran said he is First Vice Commander of this post. He gave a short history of Armistice Day that was celebrated 100 years ago in honor of  the veterans of World War I. The war to end all wars. Congress later changed the name to Veterans Day to honor all of the veterans. They thanked all of the veterans for their service. Veterans have served in war and peace. We thank and honor our veterans today. Veterans are under 10% of our population. They may share their stories if you ask them. They can pass on their legacy. Veterans from World War II and  Korea are a dying breed. We need to thank them as well as the veterans from all of the wars in the Middle East. Please get to know the veterans. Thank them for their service. Thank you for your support.

Gabriel Suarez said we are family at the post. He is very happy to have our family here.

Sandra Armenta from Senator Susan Rubio’s office said it is a beautiful day to honor and pay our respects to all of those who have served our country. She thanked Post 397 and Monterey Park for this special event. Our veterans are the greatest strength of our country. Veterans answer their call for service. Veterans need good care, good housing and good jobs. Please always thank our veterans every day for the sacrifices they make for us. These service members both men and women  serve together as our military. God bless you and America.

Sandra Armenta presented proclamations to the Post and the City for honoring our veterans today.

Mayor Henry Lo thanked members of Post 397 for this special event. We have a Veterans Post in our city. He thanked the veterans from Post 397. We are blessed to have many freedoms because of the brave men and women who  keep us free. Most of us have family members who have served.

Councilmember Hans Liang said he will always attend their events. He is termed out of office. He thanked Gabriel for hosting this event at the post. It is a great location. He was very happy to hear all of the residents singing our National Anthem. He thanked everyone who attended and he thanked all of the veterans.

City Clerk Vince Chang said Veterans Day is a special day for him. He said it has been a pleasure to serve the residents. He met several veterans over the years. He met Bill Sanchez many years ago. It is an honor to recognize him for his military service. Thank you.

Monterey Park Elected Officials presented certificates to Post 397 as well as a certificate from Supervisor Hilda Solis in honor of this special event.

Henry Lo stated that Bill Sanchez was recognized in our community as an US Army Sergeant who was born in 1918 and lived to be 103 years old. He served in World War II and was a Prisoner of War. Bill said it was an honor to serve our country. He also served our community at the post. He shared his life with us. As a POW he helped at Veterans Hospitals. We own him our gratitude.

Hans Liang said he met Bill 10 years ago when he was elected into office. Bill serves as a model for veterans in Monterey Park.

Vince Chang said he met Bill 10 years ago. Bill never felt an animosity toward the Japanese. He was a great man.

David Sanchez said he attended many Veterans Day celebrations with his father. He was great giving Veterans Day speeches. He had trouble giving Memorial Day speeches since he had seen so much death.  He father sold nails and building rebarb after the war. He moved his family to Monterey Park. They live in Monterey Hills. Doctors told him that he may not live past 50 years old and not have any children since he was a POW.  Bill lived to be 103 years old and  had 3 sons in 18 years. Betty Tom Chu wrote a bill to honor Chinese American veterans. Judy Chu served on our City Council. Monterey Park is a very special city.

David was a teacher.  His father opened up about the war when he was 80 years old and told his stories to every one who was interested. Bill and David visited West Point where Bill was honored by the Army.

Bill is buried in the Officers Section at Arlington. He had a full military funeral and was carried to his grave site by the same horse drawn caisson as Jack Kennedy.  The funeral was streamed for all of the residents to see.

Bill is buried near General Powell. He is the only Hispanic in the neighborhood.

Bill was proud to be a Monterey Park resident.

Bill said the reason for his long life was he did not harbor hatred. The enemy had a job to do and he had a job to do. He helped his fellow veterans to get their benefits. He was a good dad. He was here for all of us all of the time. He thanked the Legion and the city for honoring his father.

Henry Lo  thanked David Sanchez for sharing his father with all of us.

Gabriel Suarez said you need to listen to our veterans. You should show them respect. Bill Sanchez  spread around love. He taught us to spread love and keep anger at bay. We share our love.

Karlee Shannon sang God Bless America and the audience joined her in our song.

Leonard Ojeda thanked God for this beautiful day. He thanked all of the veterans. Please protect us. Please God and Jesus protect us and our country.

Gabriel Suarez thanked all of the veterans. Bill Sanchez was a leader. He said you will never have enemies if you break bread with them. He thanked all of the elected officials,  the firefighters, the police officers and the Boy Scouts. He thanked the Monterey Park families. Have a good day. A box lunch was served to the guests.

Bill Sanchez’s tree is directly across the street from the American Legion Post 397.

A group picture was taken in honor of the special event.

Carol Sullivan presented a donation from the Monterey Park’s Woman Club for Post 397 to Commander Gabriel Suarez, Karen Suarez and Roxy in honor of Veterans Day which Mayor Henry Lo also attended.