 On The Line -- Issue 638 -- June 8, 2007  Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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On The Line -- Issue 638 -- June 8, 2007 Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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The purpose of the day never lost focus although many other things went wrong; and even if tempers were frayed most feelings were put away when the ceremonies begun on Monday, May 28, at the Veterans' Memorial Building.
In previous years the Memorial Day observation had begun at 11 a.m. or shortly after. But after people began to gather from 10:30, and time passed without anyone appearing at the speaker's stand in the patio, questions arose about the delay. Another source of discontent was the lack of mention in either local newspaper about the ceremonies. Some people said they came anyway because they had always come for the special service. One fellow suggested that perhaps the newspapers had not been notified, and an elderly woman retorted, "No one mentions Christmas is coming, either but they seem to know it from past experience." The weather was good but a little tricky. The temperature was in the mid-70s and a breeze was blowing. People sitting in the shade soon shivered but some of those sitting in any of 120 metal chairs sat up in the center of the patio doffed their jackets. While waiting for the ceremony to begin, people went out to the flag-lined street and read names on the memorials honoring county residents who had died in World War I and World War II, in Korea and Vietnam. They also saw the names of military veterans that had been inscribed on tiles leading to the memorials. Gordon and Joanne Machado arrived; while she found a seat in the patio he lingered near the memorials. Eventually Don and Pat Loe showed up, and she and Machado fell into conversation. She was wearing a T-shirt bearing the iconic figure of Rosie the Riveter of World War II fame. A few officials showed up about 11:15, and one said, "Please be patient, folks. We visited the county's cemeteries to decorate the graves of veterans and the preachers got awfully long winded." Henry Solorio saw an old friend and they exchanged pleasantries. Elaine Reyna also was on hand. She is an interesting woman and has a lot of knowledge about many topics but seems more interested in what other people are doing. Ruth Erickson was among the early arrivals and talked with friends as each arrived. She and Norma Martinetti and Ed Scornaienchi found something to laugh about, and other people smiled upon hearing the laughter. Members of Veterans of Foreign wars Post 9242 and its auxiliary, and American Legion Post 69 of San Juan Bautista started arriving at about 11:20. The microphone was tested several times and members took their assigned places. Vincent Luna was among them as was Robert Gonzales, the latter over from San Juan Bautista. Mary Sullen and Bob Bouchard have taken part in many Memorial Day and Veterans' Day activities as have Paul Arballo, Lola Pinuelo and Ruth Gunnels. The ceremony opened with "The Star-Spangled Banner" and everyone stood, post members saluting and civilian with their hands over their hearts, as the musicians played the national anthem. In honoring the nation's fallen military members it is difficult to find anything new to say after more than 140 years since Memor1al Day originated. But it is the thoughts we have about them and their deeds. Most of them were young when their lives ended and their futures canceled. However, to some of those ho acme to honor their memories, they are still just as they were when they went off to war. We think of the hard winter at Valley Forge and the Battle of New Orleans as historic because they happened so long ago in a nation vastly different from today's United States. But time makes all events history and we are deeply involved in it. Only three American military veterans of World War I -- until 1939 called the World War, which was supposed to have ended wars forever -- are alive today. It is estimated that a thousand World War II veterans die every day, and that war ended more than 60 years ago. Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War each followed upon the other and we have been engaged in the war in Iraq for more than for years. With Mankind's propensity to fight, we will see those still young or even unborn die in other conflicts. There seems to be little or nothing that most of us can do about that but we can honor our people in military service, and remember those who died in their nation's varied uniforms. After the addresses were made, the flowers placed in front of the memorials and the traditional three volleys fired by the honor guard, the bittersweet poignancy of Taps pierced the blue sky and the service was over. The near-reverent mood gradually dissipated and the guests visited with each other. The memories of the departed still remain but everyday life also has its claims upon everyone who was there, Almost immediately after the services ended, a number of people formed a line to get the traditional barbecued chicken dinner that is prepared after Memorial Day and Veterans' Day ceremonies. People talked with those in front of or behind them as the line streamed along. Once inside they each paid $6 for a ticket to get the meal then queued up at the serving line. The menu included salad, beans and garlic bread. Dell Fancher smiled as she placed an extra slice of garlic bread on a friend's tray. Fulton Picetti found a table with the Machados, and others called out to friends and family members. Leonard and Beverly Poletti joined his sister, Helen Casillas, and others at a table. Frances Palmtag was there, and so were Joe Paul and Irma Gonzalez and their family. The Gonzalezes got a number of trays to go as they had eaten breakfast later than they usually do on the holiday. Eric Tognazzini was also on hand, enjoying it all. So another Memorial Day was observed in San Benito County, with family and friends enjoying each other's company. They honored the memories of the dead before turning their thoughts back to the living. |
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