Rohnert Park Memorial Day Celebration Boasts Record Turnout

More than 300 people came out to the Community Center Monday to honor and remember fallen veterans.

The day began with a silent march led by Boy Scout Troop #431 along the Avenue of the Flags — which was lined with 171 American Flags from the caskets of deceased veterans, and a prayer from Reverend Eugene Winterfeld.

"We celebrate this day, not so much as a celebration like July 4, but today we remember the sacrifice, not just the names, but the sacrifice of those that died for our freedom," said Stephen Brown, a Vietnam veteran and 38-year resident of Rohnert park. "Today remember, not so much that they died, but what they died defending: freedom."

Brown was chosen as the guest speaker for the ceremony. He roused the audience with a vivid recollection of a moment when it became clear to him what Memorial Day meant to him.

"It was 1958, and I was 12 years old," Brown said. "It was then Armistice Day, and on TV, which was black and white, there was a parade in New York City and there were grown men, crying."

Brown said he didn't understand why, 40 years after World War II, the vets shed tears on the day that is now known as Veteran's Day. 

Decades later, Brown understood. He said it was the casualties, and what they died defending.

"It wasn’t until about 10 or 15 years after I was back from Vietnam that my tears began," he said. "I caught what they caught."

Robert Safreno, also a veteran and member of Rohnert Park's American Legion Post #338, which put on the ceremony, said the day was to remember family members — whether or not they're related by blood.

"There is this camaraderie amongst veterans, something that unites us," Safreno said. "It's hard to explain, but I think it has something to do with everything we've seen and been through."

The mood remained positive, despite the solemn tribute. The Rohnert Park Community Band played and the Rohnert Park Chorale played renditions that underscored the importance of what the day was for: remembrance and freedom.

"Freedom is something we must constantly struggle for, and teach our children that It's something that they must stuggle to retain," Brown said. "Otherwise, it’s lost in one generation."

"So, in Patrick Henry’s words," Brown added, "the words of our Declaration of Independence, are mine also. 'I know not what path others might choose, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death. But that’s just me, what say you?'"

Editor's note: view the slideshow of the day by clicking on the video to the right.