Local veterans will spend this Memorial Day honoring those who
gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country, from today’s war in
Iraq all the way back to the Spanish-American and Civil wars.
Hollister – Local veterans will spend this Memorial Day honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country, from today’s war in Iraq all the way back to the Spanish-American and Civil wars.
Bright and early Monday at 5:30am, the Hollister chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will place American flags in local cemeteries to start off a day filled with traditional ceremonies local veterans have been participating in since 1948, said Hollister VFW Commander Charlie Scott.
And while the day is especially moving for those who have served their country in the past at one time in the past, it is more than just a day off for many Hollister residents who come out to celebrate with the veterans, Scott said.
“We remember all of those that have went before,” Scott said. “A lot of (Hollister residents) have had vets in their families. And since ’01 it’s changed. There’s a lot of patriotism. We were losing that for awhile.”
At 9am, Hollister VFW members will meet up with the San Juan Bautista VFW group at the cemetery in San Juan Bautista to begin the day’s events. Veterans march into the cemetery, say prayers, lay wreaths at the base of the flag and listen while the VFW band plays patriotic tunes such as the Star Spangled Banner.
San Juan Bautista VFW Commander Fred Pagaran said although the ceremony will be short and to the point, the purpose of the day is never forgotten on those who attend.
“It’s just for the remembrance that they sacrificed their life for this country,” he said. “They died and we’re saying ‘thank you’ and don’t ever forget it.”
Around 10am both groups of veterans, along with the American Legion, make their way to the IOOF cemetery on Buena Vista Road in Hollister and conduct a similar ceremony for the veterans laid to rest there, Scott said. About an hour later continue in their homage at the Calvary cemetery on Hillcrest Road, he said.
After making the rounds, they gather in front of the Veteran’s Memorial Hall on San Benito Street in downtown Hollister around noon where speeches are made and soldiers are glorified, Scott said.
This year, an Iraqi veteran recovering from wounds he received in Iraq will also make a speech about the importance of the national holiday, Scott said.
And after the traditional pomp and circumstance is respectfully concluded, the vets will wrap-up the day properly – with a big luncheon for anyone who would like to attend, Scott said.
“Afterward, we’ll sit and relax and have a barbecue chicken lunch,” he said. “It should be an interesting day.”
While the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce doesn’t assist with any of the logistical aspects of the celebration, Executive Director Liz Sparling said she always attends because of the importance of the event.
“They put on a really nice ceremony and have a band and honor the veterans,” she said.
Erin Musgrave covers public safety for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or em*******@fr***********.com
