Hundreds of scouts paid their respects to Santa Clarita veterans Saturday by placing flags on the graves of departed armed forces members at Eternal Valley Memorial Park.
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Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Young Marines formed groups to walk through the headstones and salute the fallen after planting an American flag beside the graves. Family and friends of the veterans payed their respects alongside the scouts, leaving flowers.
Assemblyman Dante Acosta and his wife, Carolyn Acosta, joined the procession and paid tribute to their son Rudy, who died in 2011 trying to save a fellow combat medic during a combat situation.
It’s really a pointed reminder of the sacrifices that people have made,” Acosta said. “Memorial Day is about honoring those that gave their lives in the line of duty and served this great country.”
He said seeing all the flags was a reminder of the sacrifices that are made for freedom.
“It’s just a reminder that [while] the cliche is ‘freedom isn’t free,’ it’s so true,” Acosta said. “It’s truly an honor to serve a community like this that honors, that takes the time to honor their fallen.”
Get live news updates about Santa Clarita by following KHTS on Facebook and KHTS on TwitterThe California lawmaker also had a message for the veterans of Santa Clarita, both serving and retired members of the armed forces.
I’d just like to remind them that they are not forgotten,’ Acosta said. “The veterans here should be appreciated for everything that they do and all of the trials and tribulations that they went through … (The people of Santa Clarita) are really appreciative and grateful for all of the sacrifices they have all made. So those that are still with us, we thank you and we appreciate you.”
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