City of La Quinta honors veterans with recognition ceremony at City Hall
Military planes from the Palm Springs Air Museum flew over the city of La Quinta Thursday as city officials honored locals who have served in the military in celebration of Veterans Day.
Mayor Linda Evans, Mayor Pro Tem Robert Radi and La Quinta councilmembers Kathleen Fitzpatrick, John Pena and Steve Sanchez were present, along with guest speaker Col. Dave Hart, Commanding Officer for 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms.
Col. Hart recognized Herman and Alicia Lopez, father and mother to Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez, who was among 13 U.S. service members who died during the attack in Kabul, Afghanistan earlier this year.
"Thank you for your presence here today, no words are adequate enough to fully express our heartfelt condolences to you," said Col. Hart. "Your son was one of the finest (soldiers) our country has ever produced. Hunter paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting our nation and our way of life. He fought for those who were unable to fight for themselves. Very few have the fortitude to do that."
A moment of silence was given for gold-star families such as the Lopez's.
Honorees were awarded for their sacrifice and valiant efforts, and received a certificate and recognition plaque engraved with their name, rank and years of service onto the Veterans Acknowledgement Sculpture in the La Quinta Civic Center location.
This year's honorees included: from the U.S Coast Guard AE-3 James Lambert, who served from 1967 to 1971; Air Force Sgt. Keith Darnell Dorsey, 1983 to 1988; and Maj. George W. Intemann, 1943 to 1973. From the U.S Army Spc. Antoine Benjamin Clerc, 1997-2000; Capt. James Higgins McIntosh, 1974-1981; Col. Robert Wilson Garrott Jr. 1961-1989; and SP3 Walter R. Hughes, 1955 to 1957. From the U.S Navy S2 Edward Bemben, 1944 to 1947; ICFN James K. Lewis, 1973-1973; CALT Francis Xavier Johnston III, 1954 to 1990; Capt. John Raymond Doyle, 1971-2000; PO1 Robert N. Wayman, 1980-1994; and ET2 Richard Allen Hedwall, 1949 to 1953. And finally, from the U.S. Marine Corps, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 2018 to 2021.
Cpl. Hunter Lopez's father said "it's a reminder to all of us in a time of uncertainty, that it's important to recognize the brave men and women who sign up to serve. It's important to recognize that and recognize the dedication families give as well."
"La Quinta has always been a patriotic city and it shows here because of the program they've put together for veterans and their families," he added.
The City Hall quad area was decorated with quilt art pieces on behalf of local nonprofit organization the Ophelia project, which is dedicated to empowering young teens in increasing their sense of self-worth and maximizing their contributions to society.
Festivities also included the singing of the "Star-Spangled Banner" by Doug Hasset and "Taps" played by Marine veteran Steve Ferrera. The ceremony concluded with a medley for all service members.
The event, noted as a tradition by Mayor Evans, began over 13 years ago and has since recognized over 302 veterans in La Quinta.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: City of La Quinta honors veterans with recognition ceremony
