Menifee officials, residents honor the fallen on Memorial Day

City of Menifee and regional officials stand by a wreath placed at the Menifee Veterans Memorial. (Photo credit: Menife 24/7)

By Doug Spoon, Editor

“Today we honor the brave men and women from this warrior class who rushed toward the danger. We honor them for securing freedoms for millions of people and for keeping America safe.”

These were the words of Menifee Police Chief Pat Walsh during today’s City of Menifee Memorial Day remembrance ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Wheatfield Park.

A large crowd attended the event, which included Mayor Bill Zimmerman, Assemblyman Kelly Seyarto, Riverside County Supervisor Jeff Hewitt, City Council members Dean Deines and Robert Karwin, and other dignitaries. Veterans in attendance wore caps and shirts in recognition of their service and stood when their military branch’s service anthem was played.

Among the speakers was Lisa Weidmann, a local resident and mother of Army Sergeant John C. Barcellano, who was killed July 10, 2017 while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom. Barcellano attended Bell Mountain Middle School and Paloma Valley High School before entering the Army.

“John once said, ‘If you’re going to try something, go all the way.’ Whatever John did, he gave his all, trying to be the best that he could be,” Weidmann said.

The ceremony concluded with the laying of a wreath at the Veterans memorial, on which residents were invited to lay flowers in memory of those who died in military service. There was also a flyover by the Dawn Patrol Airshow Formation Team.

Residents listen to speakers during the Memorial Day remembrance ceremony at Wheatfield Park.

 Menifee Police Chief Pat Walsh served as keynote speaker for the event.

Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman and County Supervisor Jeff Hewitt also spoke at the ceremony.