Fallen veterans honored around Central Coast on Memorial Day
The last Monday of every May marks a day of remembrance for the honorable men and women who have lost their lives while serving in the United States military.
From Salinas, to Castroville and Seaside, Memorial Day ceremonies were held to honor the fallen veterans. Local leaders and former military members attended several events including congressman Jimmy Panetta, Monterey County supervisor John Phillips, and Seaside mayor Ian Oglesby.
“This community that’s steep with a rich military history understands the value of what it means to serve, what it means to give back and what it means to sacrifice,” Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D) California said.
The Central Coast veterans cemetery was one of the locations of a special memorial day ceremony.
“The guys that I knew in Vietnam that did not return with me..it’s a day that causes me pride for those who paid the ultimate price,” U.S. Army Veteran Jack Stewart said.
Everyday Vietnam veterans Jack Stewart and Douglas Kenyon are reminded of the countless names left on memorial walls. They feel it’s their purpose to keep those names living on.
“We’re the ones that are going to keep the memory of those alive, and as long there are places like the central coast veterans cemetery, we’ll always have the venue to give the recognition and to put on the ceremonies so that people don’t forget,” U.S. Navy Veteran Douglas Kenyon said.
The ceremonies left most with a reminder that the last day of May is so much more than just a day off work.
“it’s a day to reflect on the true values of freedom and the men and women who sacrificed for that. That’s how you should do memorial day. Remember them first,” Seaside mayor Ian Oglesby said.
