Moreno Valley rededicates itself as Purple Heart City; Rep. Takano urges continued work on veterans’ benefits

Moreno Valley rededicated itself as a Purple Heart City and honored local veterans at its 2025 Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11 at the Moreno Valley Veterans Memorial.

Mayor Ulysses Cabrera opened the program and read portions of a city proclamation recommitting Moreno Valley to honor and care for Purple Heart recipients, saying, "It is now my honor to rededicate Moreno Valley as a Purple Heart City." He invited families and service members in the audience to stand and be recognized and described city programs to help veterans find work and services, including a "hire a mobile vet" initiative and job fairs.

The city and the Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce presented the 2025 "Heroes for Heroes" award to US Vets for its work on veteran homelessness, transitional and long‑term housing, food assistance and counseling. John Menke, vice chair of the Chamber's board of directors, said the Chamber nominates the yearly recipient and praised US Vets’ local services: "US Vets does so much good for our veterans here in our community," he said. Aranya Hoher, representing US Vets, accepted the recognition and thanked the community, saying the work is "an honor every day."

Congressman Mark Takano, ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, delivered the keynote. Takano outlined the history of Veterans Day and described the committee's oversight role of the Department of Veterans Affairs, urging continued attention to veterans exposed to toxic substances. He cited recent legislative progress on the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (the PACT Act) and the VA’s claims work, saying the law expanded care for millions of veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxins. "There's more we need to do, and I promise you, I see that there's more to do, and we'll continue fighting every day in Washington, DC to do right by you," Takano said.

The program included an invocation by Bishop Sykes of Crossword Church, a performance of the national anthem and "God Bless America" by the Canyon Springs Choir (student Sarah Jackson), a drill by the Leadership Military Academy and remarks recognizing the memorial’s paver program, now in its nineteenth year. Mayor Cabrera said the city will deliver the Purple Heart proclamation to this year’s honoree, Leonard Tavernetti, who was not in attendance.

The ceremony concluded with a final performance by the Canyon Springs Choir and closing remarks from Mayor Cabrera, who thanked elected officials, staff and residents for attending. "This officially concludes our 2025 Veterans Day ceremony," he said, offering blessings for veterans and the community.

The event combined civic recognition, local awards and a policy‑focused keynote that emphasized both past progress and remaining gaps in benefits and services for veterans.