Staff Reports
NORCO – On behalf of the City of Norco and the families of Norco Vietnam veterans, the George A. Ingalls Veterans Memorial Executive Committee has successfully requested Certificates of Honor from the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. This honor is part of the Commemoration’s Commemorative Partner Program and recognizes immediate family members of the veterans who are listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. These veterans are also honored on the “Lest We Forget” Wall at the George A. Ingalls Veterans Memorial Plaza.

The Certificates of Honor and accompanying lapel pins will be presented to the immediate surviving family members of the following Norco Vietnam veterans: George A. Ingalls, Emmitt James Wilkey, Jr., Herold Troy Deardorff, Timothy J. McKiernan, and Clyde Douglas McDonald. The presentation will take place at the City of Norco’s Memorial Day Ceremony, Continuous Salute and Monument Unveiling on Monday, May 28, at the George A. Ingalls Veterans Memorial Plaza. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and the Continuous Salute will take place from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. The community is invited to celebrate the unveiling of the new POW/MIA Monument, honor two veterans who were recently inscribed on the “Lest We Forget” Wall, and recognize the recipients of the Certificates of Honor.

The City of Norco is proud to participate in the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration’s Commemorative Partner Program. City Council Member and founding member of the George A. Ingalls Veterans Memorial Executive Committee Kevin Bash stated, “I am really proud of the fact that the City of Norco is the first city in California to participate in this program, and I am really proud that the Veterans Committee and the Norco community never forget those that made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.”

The Commemorative Partner Program is an organizationally-based, hometown-centric, veteran-focused program designed for federal, state and local organizations to assist a grateful nation in thanking and honoring Vietnam veterans and their families where they live and work. It is the primary vehicle by which the nation thanks and honors Vietnam veterans and their families.

The City of Norco participates in the Commemorative Partner Program by planning and conducting events and activities that recognize Vietnam veterans and their families’ service and sacrifice. The City continues to host commemorative events and activities that are dignified, memorable occasions that show a sensitivity and appreciation for the solemnity of war, the losses suffered by many, and the sacrifices of all who served. The City’s events and activities meet the Congressionally-mandated objectives of the program, specifically by thanking and honoring veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States, thanking and honoring the families of these veterans, and highlighting the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War.

FOR INFORMATION:

Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department
recreation@ci.norco.ca.us  |  (951) 270-5632