Military Banner Honors Gilbert Zamorano

COLTON>> Gilbert Zamorano, a 92-year-old World War II Veteran hero and long-time Colton resident, was recently honored with a military banner on the corner of G Street and Colton Avenue, only minutes away from Zamorano’s home. Many friends, family and fellow veterans gathered at the ceremony, as well as Colton Mayor Richard DeLaRosa, Council Member David Toro, City Treasurer Aurelio De La Torre, Chief of Police Mark Owens, City Manager Bill Smith and representatives from Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown’s office and from Supervisor Josie Gonzales’ office. Zamorano was born in 1923 and raised in South Colton. He enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 19. After training, he was sent to Europe for combat duty. Zamorano served under General George S. Patton’s Third Army and was honorably discharged in 1946 at the age of 22. Zamorano received numerous awards and medals including the Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Medal and a Purple Heart Medal, to name a few. DeLaRosa spoke at the event to thank him for his service on behalf of the mayor and city council. He told Zamorano that he is appreciated and loved be the community. “You are our hero, not only in Colton, but in the United States for all that you have done and all that you have gone through to serve this country and to make us free,” DeLaRosa said. Dan Flores Sr., a family friend of the Zamorano’s, helped obtain the military banner and helped host the ceremony. Flores said he was driving down La Cadena and saw all the banners but realized Zamorano did not yet have a banner. After speaking with Zamorano’s son, Ernie, Flores attended a Colton City Council meeting in which he asked the individual council members and the public for donations to pay for the $475 banner. Flores said he received $175 promised to him from the meeting and within a week after the meeting, he met the goal of $475. “This was a community effort and had it not been for the generosity of these people, we would not have been able to honor Mr. Zamorano with this banner,” Flores said. During the ceremony, Zamorano also received certificates of recognition from the offices of Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown and County Supervisor Josie Gonzales. Due to Zamorano’s health issues, Flores worked with the city to move the process forward. At the ceremony, Flores thanked the City of Colton and those involved with making the month-long process into a two week process. After the ceremony, attendees watched as the banner was installed. Yolanda Zamorano Lopez, Zamorano’s sister, said she is excited and proud of her brother.