Ceremony in Santa Nella honors veterans
The San Joaquin National Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony on Sunday meant more to Fairfield resident Scotty Hodges than a chance to see her husband’s grave.
“I think the whole military is just full of honorable, faithful and special types of people,” said Hodges, a U.S. Air Force veteran. “All their souls are mourned here.”
Hodges has made the drive down from Fairfield every year to the Santa Nella national cemetery since her husband, U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Alfonso Hodges Sr., died.
“It’s personal, Scotty Hodges said. “I don’t think I’ve missed this ceremony for the past 13 years.”
The somber aura of the Memorial Day ceremony’s purpose at the national cemetery was mixed with applause and salutes of honor from the hundreds of people in attendance during a day marked with a bright sun and strong winds. Notably, the ceremony commemorated 50 years since the Vietnam War.
The ceremony also was special for Merced resident Javier Villanueva, who serves in the U.S. Army National Guard.
“It gets me really emotional, and I’m not that emotional,” Villanueva said. “This is something I try to go to every year.”
U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Bryan Campbell was the master of ceremonies for the Sunday morning event, and started out the program by inviting U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kenneth D. Cain for an invocation.
The California State Honor Guard conducted the posting of colors, and local veteran service organizations from Los Banos, Pearson, Turlock, Gustine and other areas posted banners.
After the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem by Los Banos Councilwoman Deborah Lewis, cemetery director Maggie Ayres asked people to honor fallen veterans by observing one minute of silence at 3 p.m. Monday.
Guest speaker Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, reminded people to think about those who fought to keep the United States prosperous.
“It’s because of the sacrifices they made; let’s not forget that,” Costa said.
The keynote speaker for the ceremony was Vietnam veteran Roger Duke, who is a retired lieutenant colonel of the Medical Corps.
Duke spoke of his experiences helping military veterans readjust to civilian life.
“As a witness to the sacrifices that my Vietnam brothers and sisters have made and continue to suffer, I say let’s continue this fight,” Duke said, “the good fight against chaos and confusion that challenge America’s great participation in history.”
Members of the American Heritage Girls Troop CA 1012 presented flags of each branch of the military as their songs were played. A three-volley rifle salute was conducted, and taps was played.
As the program wound down, Cain said Memorial Day’s purpose as a day for fallen soldiers should be at the forefront.
“It’s not about picnics in the parks, or about barbecues,” Cain said. “It’s not about family reunions or camping trips. ... While these things are nice, they should not be the main focus of Memorial Day.”
This story was originally published May 29, 2016 at 5:34 PM with the headline "Ceremony in Santa Nella honors veterans."