PICO RIVERA, Calif. — Pico Rivera held a Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11 that featured remarks from Sen. Bob Archuleta, Mayor Johnny Garcia, Assemblymember Lisa Calderon and other local leaders, a symbolic POW/MIA table and a roll call in which dozens of veterans from multiple eras introduced themselves and shared short remembrances.

Sen. Bob Archuleta opened the program and thanked veterans and local volunteers, saying, “This is my home,” while recognizing a ceremonial flyover and urging applause for those who have served. Mayor Johnny Garcia highlighted local veteran services and announced the city’s plan and mockups for a Purple Heart monument, telling attendees, “I stand before you to proclaim our city as an official Purple Heart city.”

Garcia also pointed to a recently established local service: “I am happy and proud to announce the success of our Veterans Resource Center over at the senior center,” which city staff said has operated for three years with support from the County of Los Angeles Department of Veterans Affairs and the Pico Rivera Veterans Commission.

Assemblymember Lisa Calderon framed veterans’ needs as a continuing policy priority in Sacramento and urged support for pay and benefits, saying, “They deserve their pay.” Local council members and veterans commissioners described recent efforts to preserve and enhance the Veterans Memorial Plaza, noting the monument’s original construction in May 1973 and the dedication of an eternal flame on Memorial Day 1998.

A POW/MIA table and a posting of the colors preceded the roll call. Pastor Drew Cohen delivered an invocation and benediction; a local brass band performed the national anthem and closed the program with “God Bless America.”

Dozens of veterans representing World War II through recent conflicts took the microphone to give their name, rank and brief reflections on service and community. The program included recognition of long-serving volunteers and auxiliaries and invited veterans to pick up commemorative hats distributed by the city.

The ceremony was ceremonial and commemorative only: no policy votes or formal council actions were recorded during the program. The event concluded after the band’s closing performance, and city leaders thanked staff and volunteers for organizing the program.