San Clemente Remembers the Fallen

By Cleo Tobbi and Tiffany Ujiiye --

Hundreds dressed in red, white and blue came out to celebrate Memorial Day in the city of San Clemente at two different events that honored the fallen.

Boy Scout Troop 719 handed out programs, American flag pins, and faux poppies while friends and family members of the military, as well as, passersby found their seats on the lawn of the San Clemente Community Center as “This Land is Your Land” rang in the background.

With the event in full swing, Major Edward Solis spoke to the audience. Although the loss of American sons and daughters is never easy to deal with, Solis saluted the scores of those in the audience for understanding the true meaning of Memorial Day.

“This is America’s finest–taking the time to pause to recognize the sacrifices of men and women,” Major Solis said.

Solis’ speech about his first deployment to Fallujah, Iraq, received a standing ovation. A piano recording blared through the speakers as Our Saviors Lutheran Church Children’s Choir sang “Proud to Be an American.”

As the remembrance continued, Commander Virginia Schoenfeld of the U.S. Navy, changed gears and focused on “the woman touch” both in the military and home front.
 
This year marks the abolition of the Combat Exclusion Policy, which prevented women from fighting in direct combat. Schoenfeld highlighted the important roles women have played throughout the history of the US military. She spoke about the women who served and died in the military as nurses and those who even disguised themselves as men to fight for the U.S. in past wars.

Following the commander’s speech, the wreath and floral ceremony commenced and colorful arrangements from various clubs and organizations were placed upon nineteen mock graves. The audience then stood for the slow trumpet performance of taps followed by a bagpiped rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

After a sing along to “God Bless America,” led by the children’s choir, the masses scattered to take photos, shake hands, and give thanks to those who served.

Later in the afternoon at Park Semper Fi’s Marine Monument Mayor Robert Baker gave a presentation to adopt the HMLA-469, an attack and utility helicopter support unit in the Marine Corps.

Lt. Col Richard Joyce received the plaque on behalf of his unit. 

“There’s not a finer city nor a finer location than this location of Park Semper Fi to reflect on those who have sacrificed for our nation,” Joyce said. 

Volunteer community members and contractors maintain the parks daily and host weekly potlucks. July 4, Marines and their families can reserve a spot at the park for a great view of the city's fireworks show.

Members of the Park Semper Fi group also recognized Ed Stewart for renovating the park's foundation of decomposed granite. Stewart was given a miniature replica model of the monument statue in the park for his contributions.

The public event included live musical performances from the Coast Singers and Taps given by Michael Timson. 

“We would have not been able to build this magnificent place without the help of the city of San Clemente, local contractors and executive commerce,” said Wayne Eggleston, former mayor and executive director for the Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi. “Today is a chance to set aside some time with our own families to honor and remember all the men and women who have given their lives to serve this county we love. They are heroes, each and every one.”