Redlands Honors Military Heroes

The city of Redlands on Friday honored local veterans Friday during a Veterans Day ceremony that included music, speakers and a flyover.

“I’m proud to be an American,” speaker Dr. Arthur Anderson, a retired Air Force captain, told the crowd of about 200 people. Pointing at everyone he added, “I know I’m free just like you.”

Anderson was joined by Retired Air Force Col. Ken Collins, who piloted an SR-71 Blackbird, local dignitaries and many local veterans who came sporting vests, hats and even fatigues.

American Legion Post 650 and Post 106 also honored POW and MIA’s. And an empty chair near the podium was symbolic of those who have yet to come home, said Steve Thomas with Post 650.

As fellow post member Richard Alcantar placed a black POW/MIA cover on the empty chair, he reminded the crowd that efforts to gain the release of any American prisoners from captivity or repatriate remains, needs to continue. There must be “a full accounting of those who died brave and a full accounting of those missing,” Thomas said

“Let us rededicate ourselves for this vital endeavor,” Thomas said.

The event was held at the eternal flame at Jennie Davis Park, at the intersection of Redlands Boulevard and New York Street. The Redlands Fourth of July Band paid musical tribute to the nation’s armed services.

Honor Guards from the Redlands Fire and Police departments posted the colors that morning.

A Boeing C-17A Globemaster III, a massive airlift aircraft, conducted a fly over the park. The aircraft is operated by the 452nd Air Mobility Wing at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside.

American Legion Post 650 and Post 106 organized the event.