FALLBROOK — More than 100 people gathered at the Fallbrook Masonic Cemetery on May 26 to honor fallen service members during the community’s annual Memorial Day ceremony.
The event, hosted annually by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1924 and its Auxiliary, invited the public to hear local veterans reflect on the history and significance of Memorial Day.
This year’s guest speaker, retired Marine Sgt. Christopher Ingraham served on active duty for eight years, from 1991 to 1995 and again from 2000 to 2004. Ingraham, senior vice commander of VFW California District 1 and a former all-state and all-American post commander of Fallbrook’s Post 1924, is a VFW Gold Legacy Life member.
Ingraham spoke about how difficult Memorial Day can be for many veterans, including himself, as they remember fallen comrades. He also urged veterans struggling with mental health challenges, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, to seek help.
The ceremony included performances by the Fallbrook Chorale, the Fallbrook High School MCJROTC Color Guard, and retired Marine Cpl. Greg Kaput of Bugles Across America.
The Fallbrook Garden Club donated flower bouquets, which attendees were invited to place on graves at the cemetery.
San Diegans had multiple opportunities to honor those who lost their lives in service to the nation.
The observances included a commemorative wreath-laying ceremony featuring World War II Navy veteran guest speakers, the National Anthem performed by a vocalist from Navy Band Southwest, a “missing man flyover,” and the tossing of a memorial wreath over the side of the ship.
Fort Rosecrans hosted its annual Memorial Day Ceremony. While the federal military cemetery is closed to new interments, it is the final resting place for historic figures, including 19 men who served under Brig. Gen. Stephen W. Kearny and died in the 1846 Battle of San Pasqual, now part of San Diego.
A total of 23 Medal of Honor winners are buried in the cemetery on the Point Loma Peninsula.
The Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial also hosted its annual Memorial Day ceremony. A plaque dedication and tribute was paid to San Diego native, Seaman Lakiba Nicole Palmer, and 16 of her fellow U.S. Navy sailors who lost their lives aboard the USS Cole on Oct. 12, 2000, when it was attacked by terrorists in a small boat laden with explosives.
“Memorial Day is a sacred day of remembrance, a time to honor those who gave everything for our freedom,” said Neil O’Connell, executive director of the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association. “This year, we are especially mindful of the 25th anniversary of the attack on the USS Cole and the brave sailors who perished. These 17 heroes represent the thousands of individuals we honor on Memorial Day. Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of all who have died in service, will always be remembered.”
Command Master Chief of the USS Cole at the time of the attack, James Parlier, and the ship’s Executive Officer, Chris Peterschmidt, delivered remarks before the names of all 17 sailors were read. Rear Adm. Justin A. Kubu — Commander of the Unmanned Task Force, Naval Surface Forces, US Pacific Fleet — delivered the keynote address.
