As Lucerne Valley prepares to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, this year’s Memorial Day Ceremony will feature a local veteran whose journey reflects both service and community commitment.

Jacob Klinger, a Lucerne Valley native, has been announced as one of the featured speakers for the upcoming Memorial Day event taking place on Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m. at Memorial Park in Lucerne Valley.

Klinger grew up in Lucerne Valley as the youngest of three children and graduated from local schools before initially pursuing college and football. His path later led him to the United States Army, where he served overseas and deployed to the Middle East during his military career.

His experiences in the military took him around the world and helped shape the values he carries today—both as a veteran and educator.

Following his service, Klinger returned home and built a life alongside his wife, who is also a Lucerne Valley native. Together, they are raising two children while continuing to invest in the local community. After the COVID-19 pandemic, he earned a bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in Political Science from Arizona State University.

Today, both Jacob and his wife teach within the Lucerne Valley Unified School District. Klinger currently serves as a history and military science teacher for middle school and high school students, bringing firsthand experience and perspective into the classroom.

Organizers say his participation in this year’s ceremony adds a meaningful local connection to the event, which is dedicated to remembering and honoring fallen service members.

The Memorial Day gathering will take place under the gazebo at Memorial Park, located at 32533 Highway 18 in Lucerne Valley. Community volunteers are also invited to assist with placing flags on gravesites beginning at 6 a.m. ahead of the ceremony.

Photo courtesy of Lucerne Valley Chamber of Commerce via Facebook