Downey 8-year-old leads county pledge of allegiance

Supervisor Janice Hahn invited 8-year-old Harley Herrera of Downey to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at Tuesday’s meeting of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors — making her the youngest person ever to do so.

Herrera is a Lance Corporal with the Southland Young Marines program. She caught Supervisor Hahn’s attention after writing to her office asking for a motion to promote Red Ribbon Week in Los Angeles County to educate youth about the dangers of drugs.

Hahn authored that motion, which was on the Board’s agenda this week.

“Harley did such a wonderful job leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance,” said Supervisor Hahn. “She’s confident, kind, and already making a difference in her community. I know she has a bright future ahead of her.”

Herrera has completed more than 129 hours of community service, earned a DEA Award for her community education work, and dreams of becoming a teacher when she grows up.