The Veterans Day Ceremony to honor veterans and the military in Wrightwood was met with sunny weather as folks from the community gathered on November 11th along Evergreen Rd. facing the beautifully manicured Veterans Memorial Park in the quaint community of Wrightwood.
The patriotic event began with the Wrightwood Elementary School Choir, accompanied by students playing recorder. The choir, led by teacher Matt Mintz, performed “This Land Is My Land,” “Freefalling,” and “America the Beautiful.”
Alan Miller, President of the Veterans Memorial Group and the event’s master of ceremonies, invited attendees to stand for the ringing of the Armistice–Peace Bell. Eleven peaceful strikes, conducted by Fort Irwin NCOs, echoed throughout the community. The tradition commemorates the end of World War I, when bells rang at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month, and now serves as a tribute to veterans and a reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of peace.
The color guard then presented the flag, followed by a moving rendition of the national anthem performed by Bonnie Bishop. Sgt. Roche led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, after which the color guard retired the colors.
Pastor Dave delivered the invocation, offering prayers for strength, wisdom, and hope for the future, and expressing gratitude for those inspired to serve and heal.
The ceremony’s guest speaker was Ramona Evey, CEO and executive director of the Orenda Veterans Project, a transitional housing program serving unhoused veterans across San Bernardino County since 2013. Under her leadership, Orenda House was recognized by Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh as the 2025 Nonprofit of the Year.
Evey collaborates with numerous veterans’ organizations throughout the county, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Victor Valley Marine Corps League Detachment 1383, Victor Valley College Veterans Resource Center, and the Veterans Partnering Program. She is also a proud Marine Associate, an honorary title given to civilians who support the mission and values of the Marine Corps League, and was named Marine Associate of the Year in 2024.
In addition to her veteran-focused work, Evey serves as the general manager of the Wrightwood Community Services District and is a lifetime Girl Scout. She was recently honored by the Today’s Woman Foundation with the Women of Excellence Award for her commitment to veterans and community service.
During her speech, Evey emphasized the ongoing contributions of veterans within their communities, the importance of unity and compassion, and the sacrifices made by military families, saying:
“Today we come together not just as a community but as a family bound by gratitude to honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day reminds us that the freedoms we enjoy each day, the ability to gather, to speak freely, live with purpose, were safeguarded by those who chose service over self, courage over comfort, and duty over fear. Our veterans have carried the weight of the world on their shoulders so that we might carry hope in our hearts. They’ve faced uncertainty, hardship, and sacrifice and yet they return home with quiet strength that continues to inspire the communities they live in today. Many of them are our neighbors, friends, and family members, they coach our youth teams, serve on local boards, volunteering at community events and lend a helping hand when someone is in need. Their service didn’t end when they left the battlefield, it continues here every day in the way they live and lead, among us. Today is a day to pause and reflect, but it’s also a call to action. Let us be inspired by our veteran’s example to live with integrity, to lead with compassion, and to build communities grounded in unity and purpose. We honor them not just with our words, but through how we treat one another, how we care for our neighborhoods, and how we stand together in times of challenge.
And let us not forget the families of our veterans, the spouses, parents, children and loved ones who have endured long separations and uncertain nights. Their love and strength have carried our heroes through the hardest days. Their sacrifice is part of the same fabric that binds us all together.
So today, as we look at the flag waving high and hear the echo of the National Anthem. Let us remember that patriotism is not just a feeling, it’s a way of life. It’s found in every act of kindness, every hand extending to help, and every heart that chooses service. To our veterans we see you, we thank you, and we honor you. Your courage continues to light the path forward for us all.”
This year’s ceremony also featured the newly formed Wrightwood chapter of Quilts of Valor, established in February 2025. Representatives Marian Hall and Diane Armstrong presented handmade quilts to local veterans, including Ron Jacque, Michael LaFever, Cody Siquedo/Young, Salvatore Gallardo, Chris Armstrong, and Goward Sunderland. Quilts of valor began in 2003 when a mother of a soldier was inspired by a dream while her son was deployed in Iraq. In the dream a quilt transformed soldiers’ despair into hope, leading to the idea that quilts equal healing. She began presenting quilts to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Quilters from all over the country then began sending their handmade quilts, and today their mission to provide quilts that offer comfort and healing to service members and veterans touched by war.
A longstanding tradition at the memorial, the addition of engraved dedication bricks, also took place. Seven new bricks were placed in the courtyard, honoring Carl Myers, Lee B. Morgan, Diane Armstrong, M. Kent Behringer, Ira Lee Manning Jr., and Paul Cook.
The courtyard was originally constructed in 2021 as part of Eagle Scout Grayson Rushworth’s project, which included installing more than 11,000 pavers and dedication bricks with the support of the Wrightwood Veterans Memorial Committee and numerous volunteers. New dedication bricks may be ordered by contacting Wendi Schwab at 760-900-9004.
The program continued with the Armed Forces Medley, during which veterans from each military branch stood to be recognized. A wreath presentation followed, conducted by the Girl Scouts and honorary presenter Jim Danner, a Marine Corps veteran who served from 1960–63, including deployment to Guantánamo Bay during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Chris Johnson offered a beautiful performance of “Taps,” reminding attendees of the solemn sacrifices made by service members, while Pastor Dave closed the ceremony with a heartfelt benediction, concluding a morning of reflection, gratitude, and community connection in Wrightwood.
