Sports
Education
Athletes of the Year page 4
Chalk Talk, page 2 - 4
The Community Paper of Record
Vol. 55, No. 12
Serving the San Gabriel Valley Since 1966
June 13, 2018
Never Was So Much Owed by So Many to So Few by Staff Writer El Monte
A wreath adorned with red, white and blue carnations stands in front of City Hall, honoring the lives of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country. The solemn wreath presentation formed part of the City of El Monte’s Memorial Day ceremony to commemorate fallen soldiers. The ceremony began with a Presentation of Colors by the Veterans Foreign Wars Post 10218 and American Legion Post 261. Local dignitaries gave heartfelt salutes, remembering the lives of heroes and their surviving families. Special Guests of the City joining the ceremony included Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, Assemblyman Ed Chau and Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis. Former Assemblyman Mike Eng and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa were also present. Following the remarks, Colonel Ralph Roy Ramirez provided the keynote address, sharing anecdotes about his military experience and camaraderie fostered by his fellow colleagues. El Monte Police and Naval Reserve, Lieutenant Shane Buckhannon had the honor of hosting the Missing Man Table. The Missing Man Table, also known as the Fallen Comrade Table, is a place of honor, set up in military dining facilities and during special occasions in memory of fallen, missing, or imprisoned military service-members. Memorial Day, first known as Decoration Day, originally honored only those lost while fighting in the Civil War. But during World War I the United
El Monte Memorial Day Celebration, pictured above is Colonel Roy Ramirez. Photo Courtesy Memorial Day continued on page 8
Willard F. Payne School Celebrates 80 Years of Educating El Monte’s Youth by Staff Writer El Monte
Willard F. Payne School, in the Mountain View School District (MVSD) hosted a spectacular 80th Anniversary Celebration, commemorating 80 years of educating the children of El Monte. The school originally opened in 1937 as Mt. View Junior High and was renamed to Willard F. Payne School in 1965. It is one of the oldest schools in the area and was the first school located at the end of the historical Santa Fe Trail. Much of the original architecture and structures make up the current campus. Along with Payne’s current preschool through 6th grade students and staff members, MVSD was honored to have many former Payne and Mt. View Jr. High alumni and staff members join in the celebration. A
Courtesy photo.
80 Years continued on page 7