President Ronald Reagan said, in his 1986 Memorial Day speech at Arlington National Cemetery, “Today is the day we put aside to remember fallen heroes and to pray that no heroes will ever have to die for us again. It’s a day of thanks for the valor of others, a day to remember the splendor of America and those of her children who rest in this cemetery and others. It’s a day to be with the family and remember.”
It is with this taste in our mouths that we again gather to remember the fallen, to celebrate memories of the many men and women who paid the ultimate price for their country. Our country.
On Monday, May 30, from 10-11 a.m., a couple hundred veterans and their families will gather at Coronado’s Star Park to remember.
There will be pomp and circumstance and a degree of sadness will fill the air. But more than that, those in attendance will feel pride – a pride of country and a pride of how, in times of need, we all come together under the American flag to fight injustice and tyranny around the world.
Memorial Day ceremonies at Star Park will begin with a Presentation of Colors, followed by our country’s National Anthem, as performed by international opera singer and Coronado resident, Diane Alexander.
The invocation will be given by LCDR David Carlson, USN, followed by the traditional reading of General Logan’s 11th General Order by SgtMaj John Clampitt USMC (Ret).
Mayor Casey Tanaka will read a Memorial Day Proclamation. A reading of the 23rd Psalm will be delivered by LCDR Mike Turner USN (Ret), of Coronado’s VFW Post 2422.
This year, for the first time, Diane Alexander will sing all the Service Songs as members of each particular service, many of them grizzled veterans of wars long past, stand honorably among the crowd.
The guest speaker this year is RADM Jim Beebe USN (Ret). Memorials will be placed on the lawn followed by a rifle salute and the playing of Taps by the MCRD Honor Guard.
The event will close with Diane Alexander singing God Bless America and a Benediction by LCDR Carlson.
The Coronado Memorial Day ceremony grows each year. Last year people overflowed into the street as the park filled up with active and retired military, veterans, police and firefighters, politicians, grandparents, children and a few well-behaved dogs.
Although their numbers are less each year, several veterans in the audience fought for their country in World War II.
This year’s Memorial Day tribute is sponsored and hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars – Coronado Post (2422). Major sponsorship was also provided by the United States Navy League, the City of Coronado, and the Military Officers’ Association of America (Silver Strand Chapter).
In addition to those people mentioned above, the VFW wishes to thank Boy Scout Troops 801 and 806, Chula Vista Girl Scout Troop 6121, the Coronado High School NJROTC, the Marine Corp Band San Diego and the MCRD Honor Guard.
Following the event at Star Park, everyone is invited to visit VFW Post 2422 at their headquarters (557 Orange Avenue) for light refreshments. For more information on the Coronado VFW Memorial Service on May 30, contact Michael Turner at (619) 865-4809 or [email protected].
