Memorials for Local Soldiers Unveiled

Two young men from Banning and Beaumont who were killed in Iraq and Afghanistan were remembered Thursday in a ceremony at Highland Springs Medical Plaza.

Marine 1st Lt. Joshua Palmer of Banning died in April 2004 due to injuries received from hostile fire in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, according to the Department of Defense.

Army Spc. Michael Dahl Jr. of Beaumont died in October 2009 when his tank was hit by a roadside bomb in southwest Afghanistan Kandahar province on the Pakistan border, according to the Department of Defense.

Palmer and Dahl were both awarded the Bronze Star Medal posthumously for heroic action. On Thursday officials unveiled metal plaques of the Pass natives that included renditions of their Bronze Stars.

The dedication ceremony was held at 11 a.m. outside Highlands Springs Medical Plaza, 81 South Highland Springs Ave.

Liz Dickson, senior vice president of Loma Linda University Medical Center, gave welcoming remarks.

Banning City Council member Bob Botts gave an invocation.

Representatives of the Army National Guard, U.S. Marine Corps and Veterans of Foreign Wars presented colors. Beaumont police Officer Lyndon Peats sang the national anthem.

Beaumont Mayor Brian De Forge and Banning Mayor Barbara Hannah gave remarks.

Gerald Winslow of Loma Linda University Medical Center gave the dedication of plaques to honor Palmer and Dahl.

Thomas R. Smith, chief chaplain for Loma Linda Veterans Affairs Medical Center, gave a benediction. Robert Morgan played taps.