SALINAS VALLEY — Service men and women were honored Monday morning in Soledad and Gonzales for Memorial Day, each with separate events featuring prayers, music and memories.
At Soledad, American Legion Post 32 Commander Eugene Ivey welcomed everyone while providing information about Memorial Day and acknowledging dignitaries in attendance.
Colors were presented by the Soledad High School NJROTC under the direction of Capt. Pedro Gomez, and the National Anthem was sung by Sophia Hernandez. Music was also provided by the Soledad High School Band.
After a performance by the NJROTC, Soledad Chief of Police and veteran Patrick Valenzuela was the guest speaker for the ceremony, which took place at the Soledad Cemetery.
A Placing of the Memorial Wreath was held, with relatives of fallen comrades then placing a fresh flower on the wreath. A final call then took place as Ken Hannah and Victor Padgett announced the names of local veterans who died over the past year.
At the Gonzales Cemetery, the May 25 event began with a presentation of the colors by the Greenfield High School 246th Battalion of the California Cadet Corps under the direction of Ericka Radcliff.
Gonzales American Legion Commander Artemio Ramirez then gave a presentation regarding the importance of Memorial Day, and Linea Forsberg sang the National Anthem.
Locals Lisa Gonzales and Gloria Bell placed a wreath in front of the memorial that honors the men and women from Gonzales who have served in the armed forces of the United States during times of conflict. Gonzales’ father Edward Gonzales served in Korea, and Bell’s father Joel Gonzales was a World War II veteran.
Gonzales Mayor Pro-Tem Liz Silva read the names of every local soldier who has served in every war starting with the Civil War. Memorial Day ended with “Taps” played by Gonzales High student Aaron Castillo and a 21-gun salute by the Gonzales Police Explorers, who were led by Gonzales Police Cpl. Cesar Castillo.
