Redondo Beach Honors Veterans

Redondo Beach celebrated Veterans Day on Sunday with its traditional service at the Redondo Beach Veterans Memorial at Veterans Park.

Speakers included Mayor Mike Gin, Assemblywoman Betsy Butler, Supervisor Don Knabe, state Sen. Ted Lieu and keynote speaker Col. Kurt A. Schlichter of the California Army National Guard.

Mayor Mike Gin presented the key to the city to Pamela Z. Ament, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a recently retired city employee, while the Redondo Beach Veterans Memorial Task Force recognized the late Daily Breeze columnist John Bogert.

"John was instrumental about what you see back here," said master of ceremonies Lt. Col. (Ret.) Tom Lasser as he gestured to the memorial behind him. "It's a shame he's not with us today."

Bogert's oldest daughter, Caitlin, accepted the commendation on behalf of her family.

"My dad was a writer, and he loved a good story," she said, adding that Bogert always appreciated stories about soldiers. "He was impressed with their courage."

The event was followed by a barbecue at the Elks Lodge next door.

Click through the gallery above for photos from the event. Don't forget to add your own!