City to Honor POWs at Veterans Day Ceremony

Redondo Beach will honor four former prisoners of war and celebrate the third anniversary of the Redondo Beach Veterans Memorial on Monday afternoon, while the local chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution will co-sponsor a wreath-laying ceremony at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes on Monday morning.

Bernie Waldow, Harry Corre, William Sanchez and Ray Zula, who were prisoners of war during World War II, will be recognized during the 1 p.m. observance at Veterans Park in Redondo Beach, according to Rep. Henry Waxman's office.

Retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Melvin G. Spiese will deliver the keynote address. Other speakers include Waxman and Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, D-Torrance, chairman of the Assembly Veterans Committee.

"On Veterans Day, we remember the heroic contributions veterans have made to our country," said Waxman, who represents Redondo Beach in Congress, in a news release. "I appreciate the opportunity to spend Veterans Day with our veterans and their families and to thank them for their service to our nation. Our veterans sacrifice much to protect our country, and we must do our part to keep our promises to them."

The observance will also feature performances from the Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums and the Redondo Union High School Wind Ensemble. 

A barbecue picnic organized by the Redondo Elks will follow. The barbecue is free for all veterans and members of the military; the cost for everyone else is $5 per person.

The wreath-laying ceremony in the morning will be presented by both the El Redondo and Point Vicente chapters of Daughters of the American Revolution. The public is invited to attend the ceremony.

Veterans Park is located at 309 Esplanade in South Redondo Beach. Green Hills Memorial Park is located at 27501 S. Western Ave. in Rancho Palos Verdes.

—City News Service contributed to this report.