Community Corner
Veterans Honored at Annual Ceremony
A scheduled parachute demonstration by the Golden Stars Diving Team went slightly awry but no one was hurt.
The 21st annual Veterans Day ceremony honoring military personnel at Morgan Park on Sunday afternoon went without a hitch, save for a parachute demonstration which didn't go as planned.
No one was hurt, including the parachutist.
Darryld Light, a member of the Lake Elsinore-based Golden Stars Sky diving Team failed to join his three other team members in the landing zone set up in the park near the podium where dignitaries, city council members and other speakers were honoring veterans.
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According to organizers, Light opened his parachute close to the ground but his chute was open enough for him to land safely.
He was not high enough to make it back to the landing zone, said organizers.
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Light landed safely nearby and rejoined the team following the mishap.
Bob Archuleta played emcee; he has served and represented veterans for more than 18 years as Los Angeles County Commisisoner of Veteran Affairs.
He is also mayor of Pico Rivera.
A presentation of colors by AM VETS Post 113 was followed by remarks from members of the Baldwin Park City Council and state and federal officials.
Among officials in attendance were Baldwin Park Mayor Manuel Lozano, Mayor Pro-Tem Susan Rubio, and Assemblymember Roger Hernandez.
"We need to remember all the individuals who gave their lives and pray for them," said Lozano.
Honored at the ceremony were U.S. Air Force veteran Nabor Gilbert-Padilla -- he is also a member of the Baldwin Park Historical Society -- and retired Marine Lance Cpl. Henry Ortega Reyes.