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Beaumont's legacy of saluting hometown veterans Whether it's the Woman's Club darning socks for soldiers during World War I or today's city fathers creating a Veterans Memorial, our hometown has a time-honored tradition of saluting those who served their country. As we prepare to celebrate Veterans Day on November 11, let us take a moment to remember and honor the sacrifices of our hometown heroes who answered the call of duty. With its rose garden setting on the steps of City Hall, the Beaumont Veterans Memorial never closes and gives residents a chance to pay tribute to those who served starting in World War I and continuing through today's Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. "I would like to take this opportunity to invite all our residents to visit the Beaumont Veterans Memorial, especially on Veterans Day," said Mayor Roger Berg. "Each time I see the names of more than 200 veterans chiseled on granite slabs at the Memorial, I am deeply moved." November 11, or what is now known as Veterans Day, was originally a national holiday to mark Armistice Day— the end of World War I. The bloody conflict ceased on Nov. 11, 1918. In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, Congress approved legislation making November 11 a day to 8 BEAUMONT NOW | NOVEMBER 2013 honor American veterans of all wars. Serving our troops Over the years, many groups in Beaumont have played a leading role in helping veterans. These include Desert Edge Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 233, the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 233, and the Veterans Expo Committee. This summer, the city of Beaumont once again showed its commitment to improving the lives of our veterans. Beaumont Transit added a stop along Commuter Link 120 that takes local veterans quickly and easily to the VA Center in Loma Linda. "The city of Beaumont has done so much for us," said Commander Dave Tedrow of the Desert Edge VFW Post 233. "We can't thank them enough." The following is a list of veterans' services and clubs in Beaumont: VFW POST 233—450 E. 4th Street Beaumont is honored to have a VFW post located in the Pass. The post serves Cabazon, Banning, Beaumont, Cherry Valley and Calimesa. The post assists veterans and their families in many ways, including initiating a claim for benefits, directing them to the proper agency and answering any questions. VFW Post 233 participates in many activities, including the Wounded Warrior Program, Operation Uplink (a free calling card service for active-duty and hospitalized veterans), military honor guards at veteran funerals, and the Buddy Poppy Program (disabled veterans make "paper" red poppies to help raise money for veterans. The poppy is the official memorial flower of the VFW. ) The VFW post in Beaumont also sponsors an annual awards banquet to salute teachers, police officers, firefighters, and students. VFW Post 233 has also adopted the Armed Services YMCA at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twenty-nine Palms. Post members collect food, clothing, furniture, and gift cards for active duty families at the base. Any veteran who has served in a combat theatre is eligible to join the VFW post. Meetings are held the 2nd Saturday of each month, with a social hour at 9 am followed by a meeting at 10 am. Veterans Memorial—Civic Center Do you have a loved one who served in the armed forces? You can honor them by submitting an application to the city of Beaumont and having their name inscribed in granite. The Memorial honors deceased military personnel who lived in our communities while on active duty or who died later in Beaumont or Cherry Valley after their military service ended. Applications are available on the city's website and can be turned into the Civic Center or the Albert A. Chatigny Sr. Community Recreation Center. On Memorial Day, the City of Beaumont unveils the names of the service members and pays tribute during a special public ceremony. The Memorial is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Veterans Expo Committee: The Committee plans the annual Veterans Expo in Beaumont, which includes representatives from local,

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