Memorial Day event “A Day to Remember” at Cathedral City’s Forest Lawn
United States Armed Service veterans made up a large part of the assembled group that filled up Forest Lawn for, “A Day to Remember.” As tough as some of the memories that come flooding back on a day like this can be, those veterans will never forget to take time to reflect on Memorial Day.
“It’s tough to remember the guys that you were with,” Korean War veteran, Gordon Solomonson said. “Because now I am one of the last standing of the group that I knew.”
Vietnam War veteran John Price says it is important that we continually fight for and respect the freedoms that were earned by those who paid the ultimate price for freedom.
“It’s a difficult period for me because I lost a lot of people,” Price said. “Although it’s one moment in time, we really shouldn’t forget our vets and those that have passed.”
A memorial wreath was brought out in memory of those who have served, and a 21-gun salute was given off by the Cathedral City Police Department Honor Guard. Mayor Kathy DeRosa read a presidential proclamation and Congressman Raul Ruiz gave the keynote speech. But the ceremonies’ most poignant words came from Abraham Lincoln, as 7th grader Jacob Messersmith delivered a stirring rendition of the Gettysburg address.
Those who live on were celebrated in song, standing in recognition when their Armed Service division was called out by the Xavier Prep choir during the Armed Forces melody.
“You see the elderly, the young, Ruiz said. “From all walks of life here to stand together and remember the sacrifice that all those that have fought in wars, made for us.”
