SALINAS VALLEY — Memorial Day ceremonies are planned throughout the Salinas Valley on Monday, May 30, to honor and remember those who have died while serving in the military.
In Gonzales, Memorial Day services hosted by the Gonzales American Legion Post 81 will begin at 9 a.m. at the Gonzales Cemetery, 1000 Highway 101. There will be a reading of names of fallen veterans and the Avenue of Flags.
A drive-thru chicken barbecue will follow from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gonzales Irrigation, 723 Fermin Lane. This will be the first time the barbecue has been held since 2019. For tickets, call Paul Guzman at 831-261-6340.
Members of the Soledad American Legion Post 32 and local veterans will host a Memorial Day tribute to the fallen at 10 a.m. at the Soledad Cemetery, 1711 Metz Road, in Soledad.
“We cannot forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country this Memorial Day,” said Tony Virrueta, a local veteran and member of American Legion Post 32.
Virrueta added, “We must also honor their family members left behind.”
This year’s guest speaker is Susie (Skinner) Rossi, whose family’s military history goes back to World War II. Her grandfather, Walter Skinner, was killed in action during World War II in 1945, and her brother, Walter “Wally” Skinner, was also killed while serving in Vietnam in 1968.
“She has had other family members in the military and has been a strong foundation in Soledad,” Virrueta said. “She will speak firsthand of her family’s military history.”
Soledad High School’s NJROTC Color Guard and Drill Team will also be present.
Social distancing protocols will be enforced during the ceremony.
Greenfield Lions Club and Greenfield American Legion Post 635 will host their second annual Memorial Day Celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Greenfield Veterans Memorial Building, 615 El Camino Real.
“In one year, this event has grown,” Virrueta said. “The Greenfield American Legion Commander expects at least 200 attendees for this all-day event.”
At noon, there will be a pause for an official Memorial Day recognition to include the reading of names of Greenfield’s fallen veterans.
The event will also include a chicken barbecue, crafts fair, show cars and music. Anyone who would like to participate in the crafts fair can contact Shirley at 831-578-1019.
In King City, VFW Post 6747 will resume its formal Memorial Day Ceremony at the King City Cemetery, 1010 Broadway St., at 11 a.m.
The tradition of laying of wreaths on the Wall of Honor will take place during the ceremony, which honors the veterans who have been laid to rest at the cemetery.
Groups and individuals may lay a wreath, which can be homemade or purchased. To lay a wreath, RSVP to Dorothy Errea, president of the VFW Auxiliary to Post 6747, at 831-382-4230 or 831-594-5528.
In addition, a drive-thru barbecue featuring St. Louis ribs will be from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the King City VFW, 599 Bitterwater Road.
