Large crowd attends City Memorial Day event

A veteran salutes as guests place flowers at the foot of the memorial wreath during today's event. (Staff photos)

By Doug Spoon, Editor

The largest crowd ever to witness a City of Menifee Memorial Day event listened to inspirational messages and laid flowers by a memorial wreath during today’s ceremony at Central Park.

Construction taking place at Wheatfield Park forced a move of the event to Central Park, but that didn’t keep residents from coming to pay tribute to fallen war heroes. Guests visited booths manned by military personnel and veterans, the colors were presented by the Santa Rosa Academy California Cadets Corps, and student Audrey Woisin sang the national anthem, Armed Forces Medley, and God Bless America.

Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman welcomed guests to the event.

“It’s a solemn day but it’s also a day to be together in support as Americans. For many of us, we’re going to enjoy a barbecue today, take a day off of work … but this morning right here in this place we are solemn and we are appreciative,” Zimmerman said. “There’s no reason to doubt the bravery, the devotion of those who were sent to fight battles, and the sacrifices of those who didn’t return home.”

The keynote speaker was Dr. Terry Russell (below), director of veterans services at Mt. San Jacinto College.

“The men and women who gave everything to fight for this nation deserve our undying respect,” Russell said. “Our brothers and sisters still with us deserve our unwavering support.”

A tribute to prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action was made with the presentation of a table with one unoccupied seat. Don Sharp played Taps as the wreath was laid. Following the ceremony, there was a flyover by the Dawn Patrol Airshow Formation Team.