Veterans joined together in front of Monterey Park’s City Hall on May 27th to remember their fallen comrades.

Orlando Muro was the Master of Ceremony. He welcomed everyone this service presented by the city and American Legion Post 397. He introduced Mayor Peter Chan, Mayor Pro Tem Hans Liang, City Clerk Vince Chang, Garvey School Boardmember Henry Lo, Rosemead City Councilmember Sandra Armenta Lopez, a representative from Senator Susan Rubio’s office and Hoang Nguyen, a representative from Supervisor Hilda Solis’ office.

Members of the Monterey Park Fire Explorers presented the colors. The veterans, their family members, guests, city staff and residents joined in Pledge of Alliance.

Jennifer Tapia sang our National Anthem to remind us why we celebrate Memorial Day, which is a day of “National Mourning”.

Post Chaplain Tom McCrady led the Invocation. He asked God to grant an afterlife to all who have been loyal and true. May they be free of all pain and sorrow.  He asked God to protect our fallen comrades and open the gates to them. May they enter into eternal rest in His arms.

Members of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 397 presented the wreath in front of the Veterans Memorial in front of the City Hall.

Brendan Cheng and the Mark Keppel Aztec Singers sang “In Flanders Field” to remind everyone of price of freedom is not free.

Former Mayor Frank Venti, a US Army Veteran thanked the city for inviting him to our Memorial Day Remembrance. He spoke about his brother-in-law who fought in World War II and died at the age of 92. He stated many of the “Greatest Generation” are dying every day. He spoke about all of his older brothers who fought in World War II. They fought for our freedom of our country. He was too young to service. He later enlisted and served in Korea during the peace keeping. He met with several veterans who fought in Korean. They spoke about the many veterans killed and still missing. They all had a sense of patriotism. They fought to preserve our freedom.

We are here to remember freedom is not free. We are here to remember all of those who have fought for us in America. Our American flag equals freedom. He thanked the firefighters and police officers who keep us safe. He asked God to bless America and us.

Bryan Buckley, US Marine Corps Veteran thanked the city and post for inviting him today. He spoke about World War II and Evans Carlson. He was a decorated and retired United States Marine Corps general officer who was the legendary leader of “Carlson’s Raiders”, during World War II crediting him as the forefather of one of America’s first special operations forces. Each member had a special place among us. They met the enemy and loved life. He spoke about all of the bloody battles that his troops fought in. They were fighting for our country.

He attends the Marine Reunions each year. He said we serve because we are free Americans. Today we celebrate all of those who fought and died for us. God bless America and you.

Rivers A. Jacques Jr., US Army Veteran said he served 37 years and retired as a Sergeant Major. He served in the Gulf War. He is from a long line of family members who served in the military. He said they fought for our freedoms. He honors those who paid the price for freedom. Our flag represents what we do. He thanked the city leaders and government of honoring and respecting our veterans. We need to care and love all of us in America. Thank you.

Eric Goepel, US Army Veteran served six years in the Special Forces. He listed the names of all of his friends who died in service to our country. He meets all of the military members who served our country. Today we reflect on all of those who died over the years. Ask the veterans why they served? The horrors of war stay with them in their lives. Thank you.

Tom McCrady spoke about Vietnam veteran Miguel Hernandez Keith from San Antonia, Texas. He was a Marine who ran across the battlefield in a hail of gunfire to protect his fellow veterans. He destroyed several of the Vietnamese gun nests. He died of his wounds.

Lance Cpl. Keith was an 18-year-old Marine from Omaha when he was killed in May 1970. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the military’s highest award for valor.

Sandra Armenta Lopez, a representative from Senator Susan Rubio’s office said it is an honor to be here today to honor all if the veterans who died in combat.  Remember them and their families.

She presented a proclamation to Mayor Peter Chan, Mayor Pro Tem Hans Liang and City Clerk Vince Chang

Hoang Nguyen, a representative from Supervisor Hilda Solis’ office. Thanked the city and post for remembering those who gave the supreme sacrifice. They died for our freedoms. Hilda Solis cares about our country. Their sacrifices must not be made in vain. They made our freedoms possible.

He presented a proclamation to Mayor Peter Chan, Mayor Pro Tem Hans Liang and City Clerk Vince Chang

Orlando Muro thanked everyone for attending today’s service. Post 397, located across the street, is inviting you to join them for lunch.