The Tri-Community gathered in Wrightwood on Memorial Day morning for the 17th annual ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park for an event marked by shared tradition, civic pride and a renewed focus on those military members who continue to suffer long after leaving the battlefield. This year, the message was unmistakable: remembrance must include not only those lost in combat but also those lost to the invisible wounds of war.
For the first time in California, the Suicide Awareness and Remembrance (SAR) Flag was raised at a public event. Wrightwood Veterans Memorial Park was chosen to host this historic moment, in part because of the Tri-Community’s strong dedication to its veterans. More than just a symbol, the SAR Flag represents a national movement aimed at breaking the silence surrounding military and veteran suicide.
U.S. Air Force veteran Kevin Hertell, who created the flag after losing his cousin, Senior Airman Robert Dean, to suicide in 2016, spoke candidly about the crisis. Since 9/11, more than 100,000 veterans and military personnel have died by suicide. On average, 20 veterans and service members take their own lives each day.
“These suicides persist,” Hertell said. “Not because people aren’t trying to help, but because of the stigma. The SAR Flag exists to say these lives mattered, and to encourage those who are struggling to speak up—and seek help.”
The SAR Flag was raised by Army veteran David De La Cruz, with support from the Keven Hertell. As it rose into the clear sky above the memorial, the crowd stood silently—22 seconds of reflection for the estimated 22 daily losses.
San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Cook, the day’s keynote speaker, also emphasized the need to keep remembering—even when it’s difficult. A retired Marine colonel, Cook served in Vietnam and later held roles as a mayor, state assemblyman, U.S. congressman and now county supervisor. His speech wove together memories of combat, political service and the local community he now represents.
“This is a patriotic community,” Cook said. “If I had to go to war again, I’d want to go with the kind of people who show up here.”
The ceremony has included many long-standing traditions unique to the community beginning with the presentation of colors by the color guard. This year the Color Guard from Fort Irwin had the honor. Pastor Dave delivered both the invocation and the benediction, encouraging compassion for those who continue to struggle with the effects of their service. The Wrightwood Chorus, under the direction of Lora Steinmann, performed patriotic songs. Girl Scouts from Wrightwood upheld their annual tradition of laying a wreath at the base of the memorial. And the Serrano Cadet Corps lead the Pledge of Allegiance and assisted with the raising of the National Ensign.
The Veterans Memorial itself has evolved over time. What began as sand paths is now a brick-lined courtyard, thanks to a community-supported Eagle Scout project. In 2021, Grayson Rushworth completed his Eagle Scout project by installing more than 11,000 pavers and dedication bricks, remodeling the memorial park into a permanent salute to Tri-Community veterans. That project not only improved the park’s accessibility and beauty, but also offers families a continuing way to honor loved ones.
Each year, new honorees are added to the memorial. This year’s additions included:
- Lt. Col. Mark E. Archer, U.S. Air Force, retired;
- Kent W. Armstrong, U.S. Army, Vietnam, Bronze Star;
- Terry Bottorff, U.S. Navy, USS Coral Sea;
- Jason A. Coffey, U.S. Navy;
- Alex Coffey, U.S. Marine Corps;
- David W. Galey, Army Air Corps;
- Sgt. Paul L. Overton, U.S. Army, Vietnam, military intelligence;
- Daniel B. Steinmann, U.S. Coast Guard, BM 3rd class;
- Heinz Steinmann, U.S. Army Reserve, 1st Lt., ROTC.
The final brick, installed by the Wrightwood Veterans Memorial Group, was inscribed in honor of all who have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) or military sexual trauma:
“Dedicated to all the service members who have suffered the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma. You are forever remembered in the SAR Flag.”
The ceremony concluded with the playing of “Taps” by Chris Johnson. The final notes carried across the quiet crowd—some standing in salute, others with hands over hearts—marking not just the end of a program, but the reaffirmation of a commitment.
In Wrightwood, and across the Tri-Community, Memorial Day continues to be about more than memory—it’s about making sure that every service member is seen, supported and never forgotten.
