Remembering the fallen: 43rd Annual Memorial Day Tribute at Mount Vernon Memorial Park (video/photo)

The overcast, solemn skies matched the mood of many people as they came to honor the fallen at the 43rd Annual Memorial Day Tribute at Mount Vernon Memorial Park and Mortuary in Fair Oaks, California. Hundreds of people came to remember and celebrate the lives of those who sacrificed with a wonderful ceremony filled with music, speeches, and tributes.

Cars stretched along Greenback Lane to get into Mount Vernon Memorial Park as many wanted to be a part of this event on Memorial Day. Music from the 59th Army Band welcomed people as they walked around and made their way to the ceremony. American flags, big and small, decorated the park and the graves as people placed flowers and took time to remember friends and loved ones.

Sacramento Metro Firefighters, active servicemen, retired veterans, families, friends, and regular citizens came to honor the fallen today. As the ceremony drew near, the 144th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard kicked things off with a flyover as the crowd stared and watched.

The ceremony began at 11 am at the Court of Honor as the General Manager of Mount Vernon, Jeff Forrey, welcomed people and thanked them for taking the time to participate today. The presentation of the colors followed as the California National guard marched and placed the flags on stage. The national anthem was sung by Ms. Christie Fleeman as many people stood, with hands over their hearts and arms saluting the colors. Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Helman gave the invocation thanking God for our freedoms and asking that the moments today would be blessed and be a reminder of the freedoms we choose to fight for in this country.

Seeing so many active serviceman and veterans and the memories of those who died in service etched on the faces of so many touched many people as the ceremonies began.

The featured speaker for the event was Sgt. Major (Ret.) U.S. Army Jon R. Cavaiani. He spent over 20 years in the Army, 17 in the Special Forces, and 4 in the Delta Force receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service.

His speech began as he talked of the Civil War and of the day of remembrance after the Civil War in 1866. He spoke of the first Memorial Day in 1882 as we come today, many years later, to honor those who have fallen. In May 1984, there was a funeral for the Unknown Soldier and he spoke of his memories that day as a pall bearer.

He shared how today is a day to mourn and show national pride as a majority of those who gave their lives did so on foreign soil. On Memorial Day 2002, he recounted how Memorial Day was a different memorial as innocent victims, brave unknowns, and firefighters and policemen were remebered for what they gave in the midst of the 9/11 tragedy. War has now taken on a different meaning with enemies that are unseen as we move toward 10 years of the war on terror.

As Sgt. major Cavaiani closed, he asked that we never forget the brave sacrifices soldiers have made, both now and in the past. He closed with a poem by John McCrary written on the western front of Word War I in which the sacrifices were made on Flanders Field.

The 59th Army Band followed with an Armed Forces Salute Medley honoring each of the branches as men and women from each branch stood as their song was played. Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Helman gave the benediction and shared a poem remembering soldiers from different wars and how freedom isn't free.

A dignified and solemn tribute was made to a table for one. The key to budget travel is to approach in front. When it comes along to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved vacations and/or going to see new locations we have never been before, the actuality of expense and budgeting is often in the back of our heads. Considering and expending our travel budget properly is a consideration for most families. Curbing consuming and costs, while still savoring your vacation to its fullest, is the key to guaranteed achievements and fiscal responsibility. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The reasoning regarding economizing money while traveling is simple: Even if your personal budget is extremely small, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or departing the homestead! Also recalling that while traveling, whether on a price range or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a large vacation or travel bill!. The tablecloth, roses, ribbon, lemon, salt, and an inverted glass were symbols of purity, families who lost loved ones, a bitter faith, tears shed, and a toast that those who had fallen couldn't make. The chair at the table was empty but the flickering flame serves as a reminder that they will always be with us.

Samuel Clower, chairman of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, rang the Navy bell 2 times to remember our departed veterans. The 2 bells signaled the end of the day aboard the ship and we do it now to pay tribute. As the bells rang and a moment of silence was observed, a gun salute and the playing of "Taps" was done in honor.

The flag was then folded 13 times with each fold a symbol of things like eternal life, God, mothers, fathers, and "In God we trust." A story was told of the flag and all that it had been through since the early days of our country. The 59th Army Band played the Battle Hymn of the Republic and Gettysburg and Ms. Fleeman closed with an America, the Beautiful Medley as skydiver Jim Wallace fell from the sky with a large American flag attached.

As the ceremony ended, people talked and remembered. They wandered through the graves and tombs remembering those they knew and didn't know. As people made their way back to their cars, the skies began to rain little drops - a reminder of tears that have been shed in honor of those who have given their lives.

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