Big Bear Lake, CA, November 18, 2012, 6am – A contingent of wounded Marines highlighted American Legion Post 584’s Veterans’ Day Memorial at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center on Sunday, November 11 at 11:11am. About 200 residents, many of them veterans, celebrated America’s military men and women who faithfully served the nation since the First World War, up to and including the wars in Iraq and currently Afghanistan. Big Bear Lake Mayor Pro Tem Jay Obernolte delivered a keynote perspective and salute to our nation’s military, joining American Legion Post Commander Bruce Scott, who encouraged the audience to talk to veterans about their experiences serving their country. Heartfelt letters from children written to soldiers currently serving in Afghanistan were read, and a stirring invocation about veterans past and present was delivered by the chaplain. James Weinheimer, coordinator of the Mountain Area Tea Party, praised Big Bear residents for again warmly welcoming the Warrior Foundation’s annual visit to the Valley, and the Moose Lodge for hosting a dinner for dozens of wounded warriors and their families. Glenna Schmidt, vice president of Freedom Station, a component of the Warrior Foundation, thanked everyone for participating in the Veterans’ Day ceremony and for supporting the Foundation’s construction of a facility to house wounded warriors and their families. Following the memorial, the American Legion hosted a chili lunch for the warriors, their families and all veterans.
