Take time to honor our fallen veterans of Calimesa and Yucaipa

Veterans hope public will take time to pay respects

By Diana Sholley, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/23/2009 05:59:30 PM PDT
(An excerpt from Diana Sholley's terrific feature story, "Day to remember," that appeared in the SUN's Perspectives section today.)

YUCAIPA - As Gary Martin prepares to celebrate Memorial Day, he wonders how many of his fellow Americans will also take the time to honor the holiday. Will they host a backyard barbecue? Enjoy a day at the beach? Water ski on the river or take a long weekend getaway?

All great ways to spend free time. In the midst of sun, surf and summertime snacks, Martin hopes everyone who enjoys the freedom to celebrate however they choose can find some time to pay respects to the men and woman who provided all those possibilities.

"People seem to have lost focus on what Memorial Day is all about," said Martin, commander of the Yucaipa Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7347. "I have strong feelings about veterans, especially those who have paid the ultimate price. With all our country's trials and tribulations, there's no one in the world that enjoys the freedoms we do."

Giving people an opportunity to pay tribute to fallen soldiers, the Yucaipa VFW Post 7347 has joined with the Yucaipa American Legion Post 426 to host an hour-long ceremony at Desert Lawn Cemetery.

Today volunteers will be out at Desert Lawn adorning the graves with American flags.

The event will include speakers, a rifle salute, flyover, taps and a roll call of all the Yucaipa and Calimesa residents who gave their lives after answering the call. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony.

Attendance by Yucaipa Mayor Dick Riddell and Calimesa Mayor Jim Hyatt, along with one of the guest speakers, Calimesa Councilmember, Ray Quinto, are also expected.

For the past few years the Yucaipa's VFW and American Legion have joined for combined celebrations on Veterans and Memorial Day. Martin was saddened by last year's Veterans Day turnout at Yucaipa Regional Park.

"We probably had less than 150 people there," said Martin, 64, who served 10 years in the Marines and 10 years in the Army. "Within 100 yards or so of our celebration there were three pavilions filled with people having huge barbecues."

Through extensive planning and getting the word out, Martin hopes to revitalize the holiday, its true meaning and a sense of gratitude.

"Have a barbecue, go to a picnic; most Memorial Day events only last about an hour," he said. "Is it too much to ask to spend one hour a year to pay homage to a veteran that gave his life for your freedom?"

Monday's Memorial Day Commemoration at Desert Lawn will start at 10 a.m. and last for about an hour.

Desert Lawn Funeral Cemetery
11251 Desert Lawn Drive
Calimesa, CA 92323
(909) 795-2451
www.caringfuneralservice.com

Take time to read Diana's entire story by clicking on this link: Day To Remember