Families pay tribute to nation's fallen in Hughson

The secret to not forgetting, some families know, is bringing military dignity and honor to life for children.

That’s why Mark and Amy Chase drove their sons from Modesto to Lakewood Memorial Park on Monday, the first year they’ve responded to the pull of one of the area’s premier Memorial Day events.

Ryan Chase, 13, vowed it won’t be their last. And Tyler, 10, broke an hour of standing in silent respect by belting out “God Bless America” along with a crowd of hundreds at the close of the hourlong service.

“We have chairs in the car, but I thought, for all the people who sacrificed for us, we can stand for an hour,” Mark Chase said.

Speakers highlighted the valor of fallen heroes, including slain peace officers.

“When their nation and community called, they answered with their lives,” Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson said.Baptist preacher Adrian Condit said those who died “no doubt would tell us to stand guard.”

Modesto’s Michael Anderson Sr., whose 21-year-old son was slain in Iraq in 2004, talked of “an ache and emptiness” when “the Grim Reaper knocks on your door.”

“For some of us, Memorial Day is every day,” Anderson said.

Tissues came out when young men in uniform reverently set an empty table in memory of prisoners of war and those missing in action.

Other warriors returned after “they went to hell, looked the devil in the eye, survived and endured,” said Frank Machado, past commander of Modesto’s American Legion Post 74.

Brad Dermond of Modesto stationed his lawn chair in sight of a large flag flying over the grave of his father, an aircraft mechanic and Air Force sergeant in World War II. He has attended Lakewood’s service several times, making the trip an annual tradition.

U.S. Rep. Jeff Denham, Monday’s keynote speaker, spent 16 years in the Air Force, including a Desert Storm tour. He serves with the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, and helped further Gold Star legislation honoring the sacrifices of servicemen and women with special license plates for survivors when he was a state senator.

“Most importantly,” said Denham, R-Atwater, “explain to your children and grandchildren the meaning of the Gold Star and the sacrifice that comes with it.”

Some don’t need much explaining, just someone to bring them.

Seven children from Denair planted themselves on blankets Monday, rising for poignant moments. All respectfully ignored the blast and rumble of a nearby freight train as U.S. Naval Sea Cadets posted colors.

Lisa Muller said her family was touched by last year’s solemn ceremony. They returned this year at the insistence of her 17-year-old, Rebekah, also bringing the girl’s four siblings and two boys from their neighborhood.

“If you just expose them to it, they appreciate it,” Lisa Muller said.

Bee staff writer Garth Stapley can be reached at (209) 578-2390.

This story was originally published May 30, 2011 at 9:46 PM with the headline "Families pay tribute to nation's fallen in Hughson."