Monday’s memorial service at Veterans Park was heavily attended by members of the community and service members there to pay tribute to fallen soldiers in wars past and present.
“Every minute of every day there is a solder far from home fighting for the freedom we have everyday,” Mayor Mike Gin said.
He reminded the crowd that each soldier has a personal story about their service.
“Today is a day of remembrance and commemoration for those that are gone,” said Gin. “To those — we say thank you for your sacrifice.”
The Redondo Union High School Marine Corps JROTC, along with the Los Angeles Police Emerald Pipes and Drums, retired the colors and raised a crisp red, white and blue flag up the flag pole to watch over the new five-pointed veterans memorial for the upcoming year. Shortly afterwards Cadet Captain Christopher Barela sang the national anthem, accompanied by the Redondo Union High School Wind Ensemble. Afterwards Sgt. Brian Weiss along with the crowd said the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Armed Forces Medley, performed by the Redondo Union High School Wind Ensemble played as men and women who served stood up for their branch’s song and onlookers clapped to honor their service.
Small American flags stuck out of the crowd attached to hats and walkers as heads bowed when Judi Larance, Chaplin of the Redondo Beach Elks Lodge #1378, looked out at the sunny skies and quiet group and began her prayer.
“Help us to remember the extraordinary courage of the men and women who gave their lives to protect our country,” Larance said. “To every one of those men and women we stand in awe of their greatness that helped to make America great.”
[scrollGallery id = 387]Master of Ceremonies Tom Lasser introduced members of the armed forces and representatives from the city and state as well as thanked everybody for taking their time to remember the soldiers that were lost in battle, as well as the soldiers still struggling with the aftermath of their service.
“Honoring the fallen is what today is all about,” said Lasser. “They are immortalized forever in the hearts of Americans so we can support this country of ours.”
Amazing Grace trumpeted from the drums and bagpipes of the Los Angeles Police Emerald Pipes and Drums and men and women both wiped tears from their eyes.
Herb Masi, the chairman of the Redondo Beach Veterans Memorial Task Force, walked Jed Jedziniak, a US Army Veteran of WWII, to the edge of the memorial where they placed a memorial brick honoring the 101st Airborne Division in Bastogne, France.
“This is a big crowd,” said Lasser. “This is an important day not only for us [veterans] but for you too.”
Visit www.rbveteransmemorial.com to learn more about the Redondo Beach Veterans Memorial Task Force and to donate to the memorial or purchase a brick.
