24th Annual Memorial Day Tribute At Eternal Valley Memorial Park

Posted by: Jessica Boyer in Santa Clarita News May 28, 2013 - 3:16 pm 0 285 Views

Eternal Valley Memorial Park and Mortuary officials partnered with the Santa Clarita Valley Veterans Memorial Committee members to present the 24th annual Memorial Day Tribute on Monday.

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“The Veterans Memorial Committee has been putting on this event for many years,” said Duane Harte, president of the SCV Veterans Memorial Committee.

This tribute was dedicated in memory of all of the veterans who served, fought and died for freedom.

This year, the focus was on servicemen and -women who are or have been missing in action or prisoners of war.

Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl is part of the U.S. Army, and being held captive by Taliban allies. He is the United States’ only soldier who is currently a POW.

“It is an honor and a privilege for us to come out and do this for those who give up their time to join us in honoring our veterans,” Harte said.

Members of the Santa Clarita Valley Concert Band led by Tim Durand performed the prelude to the tribute, the Armed Forces Salute and the postlude.

The Santa Clarita Valley Master Chorale performed “God Bless America” and joined the SCV Concert Band in performing “Blades of Grass.”

The National Anthem was performed by the 4 of Harts.

Speakers included Pam Hogan, Pastor Melissa MacKinnon, Dessie Bauer, Lenny Schaustal, Darrell Morrow, Ken Sriplin and Congressman Buck McKeon.

“I wish more people would know about this so that they could be here and see the reality of people [who have served]… We all love our country,” said a Memorial Day Tribute attendee Linda Paine.

World War II AT6 aircrafts flew over the event and two skydivers landed with USA and POW flags to open the ceremony.

The Marine Corps League of Simi Valley posted the colors and led the rifle salute.

Gold Award Girl Scout Stephanie Cate led the pledge of allegiance and Girls Scouts from the Coyote Canyons Service Unit presented flags to grave markers.

Local Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies and Boys Scouts put flags next to all of the Veterans’ gravesites at Eternal Valley on Sunday.

Following the Tribute, J.D. Kennedy, Tom Cole, David Van Duzee and John Van Duzee read the inscribed names that are on the Memorial Wall of Veterans at Eternal Valley while Chelsea Joy Wells played the bagpipes.

For more information on the Santa Clarita Veterans Memorial Committee, visit theirwebsite.

For more information on Eternal Valley Park and Mortuary, visit theirwebsite.

More pictures to follow.

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