Remembering Those Who Died
It began as a memorial to Civil War soldiers who had died in the war both Union and Confederate. It was called Decoration Day. In a time before the Internet, TV, digital cameras or even telephones, the country rallied behind the statement this great event proclaimed so proudly to honor those who died serving our country.
Every year Memorial Day, as it’s now called, is celebrated with tremendous presence at Coronado’s Star Park. It’s an emotional hour that involves many levels of tributes to our fallen.
Michael Turner, representing the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Coronado Post 2422, reads the 23rd Psalm as guest speakers bow in prayer.
This year Memorial Day services will be held on Monday, May 25, from 10-11 a.m., at Star Park Circle. Hundreds of people will turn out to remember those who died while serving their country.
Special guest, Rear Admiral Paul Becker, USN, will deliver the keynote speech. Proclamations will be read by Mayor Casey Tanaka from the City of Coronado, as well as Diane Vanderpot, Undersecretary-Veterans Homes, who will read and deliver a Proclamation on behalf of California Governor Jerry Brown.
Photo courtesy Martha Lepore.
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 and children. Although their numbers are less each year, several veterans in the audience fought for their country in World War II.
As tradition dictates, the ceremony will be called to order by VFW Cmdr. Chuck Lucas, followed by a presentation of the Colors.
Internationally known opera and Broadway singer, Diane Alexander, brought a particular brand of elegance to this year’s Memorial Day ceremonies with her traditional renderings of the National Anthem and God Bless America.
This year special guest Diane Alexander, critically acclaimed opera/Broadway star, will perform the “National Anthem.” Alexander is a Coronado resident and teaches voice lessons on the island.
The invocation will be delivered by Lt. David Carlson, USN, followed by a reading of General Logan’s “General Order Number 11,” read by Sgt. Maj. John Clampitt, USMC (Ret). At that time Proclamations will be read, followed by the VFW’s LCDR Mike Turner’s reading of the Twenty Third Psalm.
As the band plays service songs for the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard, guests are asked to stand and be recognized for their service. This is always an emotional moment, as older veterans proudly struggle to their feet.
Following an oral presentation by Rear Admiral Paul Becker, invited families of servicemen killed in action will place floral tributes on the Memorial Platform beneath the Star Park flags.
The event comes to a close with a 21-gun rifle salute, Taps, and a special rendition of “God Bless America” by Diane Alexander. The final event is the delivering of the Benediction by Chaplain Carlson.
Former US Army and Vietnam War veteran Terry Bucklew. His interview is below via the link.
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, the Coronado High School NJROTC, the Marine Corp Band San Diego, and the Recruit Depot Honor Guard.
For more information on the Coronado VFW Memorial Service on May 25, contact Michael Turner at (619) 865-4809 or [email protected].
[Story and photos by Joe Ditler and Part-Time PR, serving all of Coronado’s public relations needs]
