Menifee Residents, Veterans Gather in Memorial Day Tribute

"Today we honor all those who chose to be something greater than themselves. Keep them in your thoughts, as well as all our military men and women who are out there today, protecting our freedom."

With these words, U.S. Navy veteran Ed Yarbrough of the Oasis Veterans Club in Menifee helped those in a crowd of Menifee residents -- including veterans -- observe Memorial Day in a ceremony at the Menifee Veterans Memorial Monday afternoon.

Yarbrough gave the keynote address to a group that included veterans of past and present wars, Menifee city council members, other city officials and people of all ages. Members of VFW Post 1956 and Cub Scout Pack 374 stood together and saluted the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of the National Anthem. Commander Christopher Proctor of VFW Post 1956 served as Master of Ceremonies and Deputy Mayor Wallace Edgerton provided opening remarks.

"We are here to pay tribute to those who gave up their lifestyles, their families and potentially their lives so every American could do and have what they wanted to do and have," Yarbrough said. "We must always remembers that the freedoms we enjoy came at a very high price."

At the end of the ceremony, many people left tiny American flags on or alongside the Veterans Memorial, located near the corner of La Piedra Road and Menifee Road.