PICO RIVERA, Calif. — City and state officials joined veterans and community members at Pico Rivera’s Veterans Day ceremony, where leaders celebrated local services for military families and unveiled plans to further honor those who served.

State Senator Bob Archuleta opened the program and introduced Mayor Johnny Garcia, who told the crowd the city’s Veterans Resource Center at the senior center has been operating for three years and thanked partner organizations including the County of Los Angeles Department of Veteran Affairs and the Pico Rivera Veterans Commission. "We've been open now for 3 years," Garcia said, noting the center’s role in connecting veterans with services.

Garcia also announced that the city is moving forward with a Purple Heart monument project and proclaimed Pico Rivera an official Purple Heart city, showing mockups of the design and recognizing residents wounded or killed in combat. "The monument is intended to honor the men and the women of our community who were either wounded or killed in combat," he said.

Assemblymember Lisa Calderón (56th District) addressed veterans and said she carries their interests into Sacramento, citing housing, health care and benefits as priorities. "They deserve their pay. Their families deserve to be able to put food on the table," Calderón said, decrying situations she described in which service members or veterans must rely on food lines.

Several council members and local leaders spoke about the city’s long record of veteran recognition. Councilmember Andrew Lara outlined the history of the Pico Rivera Veterans Monument — originally built in May 1973 with an eternal flame dedicated on Memorial Day 1998 — and said the city and Veterans Commission are researching the case of a Korean War veteran, Mr. Deanda, whose remains were identified and interred at Rose Hills; officials hope to add his name to the monument next Memorial Day.

Dr. Monica Sánchez recounted a brief boot‑camp experience arranged by Marine Corps recruiters, thanked women veterans and auxiliary groups, and (as she stated during her remarks) said she has announced her candidacy to run for Congress in the 38th District. "If I can ever help you in any way, please reach out to my office," she said.

Rudy Aguirre, a local pastor and Navy veteran who leads Point Man International Ministries, described his group’s work supporting veterans with post‑traumatic stress and other reintegration needs, and urged attendees to look out for fellow service members. "The word of God heals," Aguirre said, describing the ministry’s weekly meetings and referral support.

The program included a symbolic POW/MIA table explained by Mayor Pro Tem Gustavo Camacho, an invocation and benediction from Pastor Drew Cohen, a military flyover, and musical performances by the Southern California brass band. Organizers invited veterans to the microphone for a roll call that recognized service from multiple eras; the event highlighted a 96‑year‑old veteran, Ruben Lopez, among many others who came forward to identify themselves and briefly share gratitude.

Mayor Garcia closed the ceremony by urging the crowd to reflect on veterans' sacrifices and by thanking volunteers and city staff who organized the event. The program concluded with the band performing "God Bless America."