Emotional messages highlight Memorial Day ceremony

Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman greets guests against the backdrop of a giant American flag on Monday. Menifee 24/7 photos by Doug Spoon

Emotional messages about fallen soldiers in the line of duty were delivered Monday morning in the City of Menifee's annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Wheatfield Park.

Mayor Pro Tem and Air Force veteran Greg August and Marine Staff Sgt. Earl Jackson gave passionate and inspiring messages about comrades who died in military service. Some local veterans were recognized, but the emphasis was on honoring those who didn't return from action.

Senator Mike Morrell and Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman also addressed the crowd, while council member Dean Deines presented certificates to some of the veterans in attendance. At the end of the ceremony, guests placed roses on the Veterans Memorial while "Taps" was played and then "Good Bless America" sung by Anahi Rodriguez.

Menifee 24/7 will have video highlights from the program all this week on the "Good Morning Menifee" show on our Facebook page beginning Tuesday at 9 a.m. You won't want to miss the images and inspirational messages.

Army Staff Sgt. Earl Jackson talks about the significance of Memorial Day.

Mayor Pro Tem Greg August tells an emotional story about a fallen comrade.

Senator Mike Morrell addresses the crowd during the Menifee Memorial Day ceremony.