By PETER DAY
Staff Writer
All branches of the military were represented, as were members of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 5551, the American Legion Post 879 and its adjunct, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Air Force Jr. ROTC.
But Monday’s ceremony at Lucerne Valley Memorial Park wasn’t just for those service men and women still standing. The speeches, flowers, salutes and songs were for the men and women who have fallen as they gave their lives to protect, to serve and preserve our nation.
Sharon Fritz, a staff member with County Service Area 29, which runs park facilities for Lucerne Valley, asked attendees to remember that Memorial Day is more than the start of summer, barbecues and family get-togethers.
“Do you think about those things?” Fritz asked. “Or do you think of a mother who runs her fingers over her son’s name on a memorial? Today is the day to remember those people who died for our country.”
Guest speaker Thomas Pinard, Capt., U.S. Navy (Ret.) talked about Wrightwood’s quest for erecting a marble, engraved veteran’s memorial. He applauded the Lucerne Valley Veteran’s Memorial Committee for its efforts and urged the community to get behind the cause.
Emcee Reese Troublefield of CSA 29 shared his thoughts about the service men and women.
“From the bottom of my heart I want to thank of the veterans and those who died for us,” Troublefield said.
Others participating in Lucerne Valley’s Memorial Day program included the USMC Mounted Color Guard from the USMC Logics Base in Barstow, the Air Force Jr. ROTC Team from the Academy of Academic Excellence in Apple Valley, VFW Post 5551 in Lucerne Valley, High Desert American Legion Auxiliary Unit 879, Edward McBride, U.S. Army, Cliff Reed, member of the Veterans Memorial Monument Committee, Jean Fuqua, Patti Riddle, chairperson of the Veterans Monument Committee, Shirley Clemmons, Glen Davidson, Penny Angel and Brandon Dzajkich, a 2013 graduate of Oak Hills High School in Hesperia who performed “Taps.”
To make a donation to the Lucerne Valley Veterans Memorial Monument, call Patti Riddle at 760-248-7062 or Clarice Peterson at 760-248-6197.