Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The Puerto Vallarta Veterans community gathered in a poignant tribute this past Saturday at the municipal Presidency’s central patio to honor the service and sacrifice of those who have served in the armed forces of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The event also paid homage to soldiers who have fallen in battle and those taken as prisoners of war.
The ceremony was presided over by Jesse Cole Rivera, Commander of the American Legion Post 12 Bahía de Banderas, alongside esteemed local military authorities and retired commanders from the Canadian and United States Armed Forces. Notable attendees included Mrs. María de Jesús López Delgado, president of the Municipal DIF System, representing the mayor, Professor Luis Alberto Michel Rodríguez, and Mr. Christian Salvador Preciado Cázares, director of Tourism and Economic Development of the City Council.
In a speech that resonated with the attendees, Commander Jesse Cole Rivera reminded the audience of the annual gatherings held in the United States and Canada to honor their fellow countrymen’s military service and the sacrifices made, especially by those who laid down their lives in conflict. This year, Post 12 of the American Legion and Unit 19 of Anavets, a Canadian veterans organization, joined forces in Puerto Vallarta with the Mexican Armed Forces to acknowledge the longstanding alliance between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, forged during World War II.
Major Mark Giles, a retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces and director of Anavets Unit 19, spoke of the shared history and camaraderie between the veterans and armed forces of the three nations, recalling the collective participation as allies in various armed conflicts, including both World Wars.
A key moment in the event was the Empty Chair Ceremony, led by Jon Murphy, Sergeant at Arms of the American Legion Post 12 Bahía de Banderas, symbolizing the absence of the fallen soldiers. Dr. Marvin Carter, founder and director of Hobs4Hope, conducted the Reading of the Names, honoring the notable figures from the United States and Mexican armed forces who perished during World War II.
In a gesture of appreciation, the American Legion Post 12 Bahía de Banderas presented recognitions to the municipal and naval authorities. Mrs. Chuyita López, representing the City Council, presented gifts to the veterans’ representatives, highlighting the community’s respect and gratitude.
The ceremony was also graced by the presence of Aurora Guadalupe Ruiz Sandoval, director of the Naval Hospital, and Lieutenant Alfredo García Peña, representing Vice Admiral José Daniel Reséndiz Sandoval, Commander of the XII Naval Zone.
The event concluded with a sense of shared history, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds of camaraderie that transcend borders, serving as a reminder of the valiant service rendered by veterans of all three nations.
