Memorial Day: Hundreds gather to remember and honor America's fallen

May 29—Thousands of flags fluttered in a cooling breeze as elected officials, dignitaries, the West High School Viking Band and hundreds of spectators gathered to remember and honor more than 1 million Americans who have died in service to their country over the history of the United States.

Historic Union Cemetery held its annual Memorial Day ceremonies Monday at the shaded memorial park in east Bakersfield.

After a welcome by Union Cemetery Trustee Michael Bowers, an opening prayer offered by Pastor Josephate Jordan, and a presentation of the colors by Sons of the American Revolution, Efrain "Rocky" Garza sang a stirring rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Then the first speaker of the day, interim Kern County Veterans Service Officer Jose Lopez, a military veteran and Bakersfield native, began to talk about what Memorial Day means to him — and also what it doesn't mean.

"A federal holiday, a vacation day, a free day, it is none of the above," Lopez said.

Speaking in both English and Spanish, Lopez talked about the way most of his brothers and sisters in arms feel about Memorial Day.

"Veterans are a different breed," he said, "and wear their hearts on their sleeves when it comes to honoring those who came before them."

But even Lopez acknowledged that his thinking has deepened as he has matured.

"Time heals all wounds, they say. "Not for us veterans. Time catches up to us. It reminds us of what we have and how lucky we are to have it.

"And then it reminds us that someone before us sacrificed their life so that I can enjoy these truths," he said. "That's what today is. Let us memorialize those who are buried here and across this great country."

As he signed off, Lopez spoke directly to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who came before him.