Fallen Heroes Remembered in Menifee Ceremony

A member of Menifee VFW Post 1956 helps a little girl place a flower on top of the Veterans Memorial on Monday. Menifee 24/7 photos: Doug Spoon and Kaylee Faucher

Residents of all ages joined military personnel, veterans and city officials today in Menifee's annual Memorial Day ceremony at Wheatfield Park.

Mayor Pro Tem Greg August welcomed guests to an area next to the city's Veterans Memorial, which on this day was surrounded with flags and flowers as well as a display with photos of "Hometown Heroes" who have served in the military. Members of Cub Scout Pack 374 presented the colors and Bruni Reyes of the City of Menifee sang the National Anthem.

"It's ironic that this solemn day marks the beginning of the summer season," August told the crowd. "School's out, family vacations, warm weather, barbecues, camping, beach outings and baseball. But it's also visits to our national monuments and institutions. Imagine having any of those things were it not for those we are honoring today.

"It would be fitting for all of us to renew our pledge to aid the widows, widowers and orphans of our fallen dead and the disabled veterans whenever possible -- and to join the effort to bring all MIAs home."

A POW/MIA table was set up (left) with place settings for those missing in action or prisoners of war. The keynote speaker was Gerry Thacker, a Vietnam veteran and senior vice commander of Menifee FVW Post 1956.

Thacker told the crowd stories of a 1971 battle in Vietnam that he survived -- but which many of his comrades didn't.

"There are 58,315 heroes' names on the Vietnam wall in Washington DC," said Thacker (below). "I will always remember their sacrifice. My call for action for you today is for all vets to stay connected with those you served with. Plan to help other vets. Be involved in activities to help the community in which you live. Move forward with your education.

"To those who lost loved ones in the service of their country, may you find some small comfort in knowing your loved ones live on, not only in your memories, but also in the memories of those who served with them."

Following the playing of Taps by Don Sharp of the City of Menifee, August and scout leaders carried a wreath to lay at the foot of the Veterans Memorial. A fly-over by three T-34 Warbirds from the March Air Reserve Base Aero Club took place and "Amazing Grace" was played on the bagpipes.

Afterward, guests placed flowers and flags on the Veterans Memorial, wrote messages on a chalkboard and paid their respects.