Cathedral City Council Member Rita Lamb to Participate in Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 11, 2025

Students from Two Cathedral City Schools to Receive Essay Contest Awards

Cathedral City Council Member Rita Lamb will participate in the annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Desert Memorial Park, located at 31-705 Da Vall Drive in Cathedral City.

The ceremony, hosted by American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 66 and the Jon Castro Chapter of Veterans For Peace, will honor the nation's veterans and fallen heroes. The event is free and open to the public.

Council Member Lamb, who has represented District One since 2019 and previously received the "Friend of the Veteran Award," will present awards to four elementary school students who won an essay and poetry contest titled "Thank You Letter to Veterans." Students from Cathedral City Elementary School and Sunny Sands Elementary School participated in the contest, with two winners selected from each school. Each student will read their winning submission and receive a $100 cash prize.

"It's an honor to recognize both our veterans and the next generation who appreciate their service," said Council Member Lamb, a retired elementary school principal. "These students' words remind us of the importance of remembering those who served our country."

The ceremony will feature several distinguished speakers, including Palm Springs City Council Member Jeffrey Bernstein and James Apedaile, national president of American Veterans For Equal Rights (AVER). Lee Wilson of the Fallen Heroes Project will introduce Gold Star Family members, each of whom will be invited to speak and receive a rose.

Special recognition will be given to Palm Springs Police Officer Jorge Diaz, a Marine Corps veteran, and Natalina Garritano, a World War II survivor who was rescued by an American Army soldier.

Musical performances will include Prince Fleet Easton, who has a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Fame, and vocalist JB, who will perform the national anthem. Bishop Nick Sakis of Cathedral City will lead the benediction, and Bryon Wirth will play Taps.

For more information about the Veterans Day Ceremony, contact Tom Swann Hernandez at (760) 324-5670 or [email protected].