Culver City Observer -

Veterans’ Day marked the start of the fourth annual Culver Tribute to Heroes – Field of Valor. Organized and sponsored Exchange Club of Culver City, this event honors military veterans and first responders through the installation of 500 full-sized American flags. Each flag is adorned with a yellow ribbon showing the name and service branch for each of the individuals being honored. The flags honoring vets and first responders are installed at Veterans Memorial Park in Culver City.

At opening ceremony held on Veteran’s Day, Donald Mann, a World War II Merchant Marine was recognized with a Congressional Gold Medal. The 98-year-old Mann is one of the few surviving members of this supply service that was so vital to victory. During WWII, the Merchant Marines – whose ships were only lightly armed and often unfortified, had the highest casualty rate of branch of service. The award was conferred on Mr. Mann by the offices of Congresswoman Karen Bass.

Photo by Mike Penning