Fontana leaders, community members honor veterans during ceremony

The Fontana community on Nov. 11 honored those who have served in the Armed Forces throughout the history of the United States during the traditional Veterans Day ceremony at the downtown Rose Garden.

On a windy, sunny day, Fontana officials, as well as community members, paid tribute to those who have served in the military honorably, including the more than 6,000 veterans who reside locally.

Mayor Acquanetta Warren emphasized the importance of taking care of those who have fought to defend freedom and the way of life of everyone in the “greatest nation on earth.”

Warren said she strongly supports a federal and local commitment to end veteran homelessness.

According to the United States Department of Housing and Urban development (HUD), more than 49,900 veterans are homeless on any given night in the nation.

"My heart goes out to veterans who protected and defended this great nation and now are struggling to find a permanent home. I ask the community to join me in that effort. Let’s show them what they really mean to us,” said Warren.

The mayor added that the problem increases with miscommunication and confusion about who is eligible to receive help. Warren encouraged veterans to get informed and to “go ask” for help.

Warren also said that with the work of the community via donations and volunteering time, the roof of local American Legion Post 262 will be fixed.

City Councilmember Lydia Wibert urged local businessmen to open their doors to veterans and exhorted mothers and family members to provide all the support they need after veterans are discharged or they return home from war.

"There are ways to obtain a house through the GI Bill; however, many of the veterans don’t have jobs. Are local businesses supporting our veterans? We should also demand that elected officials fund housing programs for veterans,” said Wibert.

Wibert applauded federal authorities for recently granting $405,000 to San Bernardino County to fight veteran homelessness. However, Wibert said such monies should be carefully and wisely used.

“We have gone from more than 2,600 vets on the streets in our county a few years ago to less than 150 now thanks to the laudable teamwork of many,” said Daniel Nackerman, executive director of the county's Housing Authority, in a press release.

Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-31st District) praised the efforts to help struggling veterans.

“We cannot sit back while Inland Empire veterans are left to suffer alone on the streets. Our service members risked their lives to keep our families safe and free and we owe it to them to ensure that they have the resources they need to live stable and healthy lives when they return,” said Aguilar in a statement.

The ceremony in Fontana was attended by local dignitaries, including members of the Fontana City Council, Fontana School Board, and representatives of veterans organizations, along with guests such as Paul Chabot, retired Navy lieutenant commander.

During the ceremony, City Councilmember Jesse Sandoval awarded prizes to winners of the Dr. Charles Koehler Veterans Day Essay Contest, including Juliet Aguh, from Alder Middle School (first place); Briana Biswas, from Hemlock Elementary School (second place); and Nicholas Evan Thornbro Weis, from Los Osos high School (third place). The winning essays will be published in the Nov. 20 edition of the Herald News.