Cities of Riverside and Corona Lower Flags to Half-Staff to Honor Fallen Marines

Published: 8/5/2020

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Aug. 5, 2020

           

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Phil Pitchford

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Cities of Riverside and Corona Lower Flags to Half-Staff to Honor Fallen Marines

A young man from each city was lost in July 30 training exercise

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The cities of Riverside and Corona will lower flags to half-staff for the next two days to honor young Marines from each city who lost their lives in a training exercise July 30.

Mayor Rusty Bailey of Riverside and Corona Mayor Jim Steiner worked together to coordinate the remembrance of Cpl. Cesar A. Villanueva, 21, of Riverside and Pfc. Bryan J. Baltierra, 19, of Corona.

“These young men in the early stages of their service to our country deserve our utmost respect for their sacrifice,” Mayor Bailey said. “We hope this effort will bring a small measure of comfort to their families.”

Flags in both cities will be lowered in honor of Pfc. Baltierra today (8/5) and Cpl. Villanueva on Thursday. The two young men were among eight Marines and a sailor who died when their amphibious assault vehicle sank off San Clemente Island, west of Oceanside.

“Our cities and our residents are mourning these young men, so lowering the flags is absolutely appropriate,” Mayor Steiner said. “We encourage residents and businesses in our cities to lower their flags as well.”

For the latest information and resources regarding COVID-19 -- www.RiversideCA.gov/COVID-19