Coronado has long been a military town. On Monday, May 28, visitors and residents will gather at Star Park to celebrate Memorial Day with a special tribute to our fallen soldiers, airmen and sailors.
The event begins at 10 a.m. and lasts about an hour. The memorial will be called to order by Commander Chuck Lucas of Coronado Post 2422. The presentation of colors will take place, led by Cadet Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Max Altstadt.
Local singer Jo Beth Cosgrove will sing the National Anthem, followed by a retiring of the colors. The invocation will be delivered by Lt. Andrew Edwards, CHC, USN.
Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey will read a Proclamation followed by a reading of the 23rd Psalm by LCDR Mike Turner.
One of many moving aspects of this memorial is the salute to the services. Ms. Cosgrove will sing service songs from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Army. As each is performed, those members of the audience proudly stand with their song to be recognized.
Chaplain Wayne W. Hoffmann will recognize active military present. He will be followed by the guest of honor, RADM Michael Giorgione USN (Ret).
A brief floral tribute takes place, followed by a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps. A reading of the Benediction by Lt. Edwards will close the tribute.
One of the highlights each year is the reading of General Logan’s General Order by Sergeant Major John Clampitt.
This traditional speech explains how Waterloo, New York is given official recognition as the birthplace of what was then called “Declaration Day,” as it builds into a dramatic telling of the “why” of Memorial Day.
Guests attending this year’s Memorial Day services are invited to attend an after-gathering at VFW Post 2422, located at 557 Orange Avenue for a light lunch.
While at the VFW Hall, visitors can take time to reflect on the Salute to Service Memorial Wall. Many Coronado veterans and veteran families have chosen to be remembered in this respectful tribute by purchasing their place on the Memorial Wall.
Coronado Post 2422 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars has announced there are still spaces available on the Memorial Wall. The wall memorializes time spent by the individual in the service. Retired, active and deceased military are eligible.
For more information on the Coronado VFW Memorial Service May 28 and the Salute to Service Wall, contact Michael Turner at (619) 865-4809 or [email protected].
[This release prepared by Part-Time PR in conjunction with VFW Post 2422]
