Eric Goepel Founder of Veterans Cannabis Coalition was the Master of Ceremonies on May 29^th at the service held at American Legion Post 397 in Monterey Park.

He welcomed all of guests, veterans and Boy Scouts to remember and honor all of our men and women who died to keep us safe.

Boy Scouts from Troup 329 carried our colors and led our Pledge of Allegiance.

Denise Kong sang our National Anthem.

TAPS filled the air as the residents all stood at attention.

Four air planes flew over  during the ceremony to the delight of the crowd.

Leonard Ojeda led the Invocation. He asked God to guide our country. We pray for those military members who gave their all.

The Wreath was on display to honor our military members who died for us.

Eric Goepel introduced Mayor Jose Sanchez with his daughter, Mayor Pro Tem Thomas Wong, Councilmember Yvonne Yiu, Councilmember Vinh Ngo, Councilmember Henry Lo, Esther Lim representing Supervisor Hilda Solis, Alex Avanesyan  representing Senator Susan Rubio, USMC Veteran Dennis Sandoval and Army Sgt. First Class (SFC) Elijiah P Mockabee to the audience.

Mayor Jose Sanchez with his daughter, Mayor Pro Tem Thomas Wong, Councilmember Yvonne Yiu, Councilmember Vinh Ngo, Councilmember Henry Lo presented a proclamation to Rocky Yoo and Dennis Sandoval from American Legion Post 397 in honor of the day.

Eric Goepel introduced Dennis Sandoval to the audience.

Dennis Sandoval said today we remember all of those who died for our freedoms. It is a time to remember those fallen members. Their sacrifice was not in vain. We can honor their memories and thank their families for their service. We must also remember the men and women who are fighting for us today. Our flag flies with their last breath.

Eric Goepel introduced Elijiah Mockabee to the audience.

Elijiah Mockabee said freedom is not free. He is humbled and honored to remembers our fallen. One million military members have died since the Civil War. We must never forget all of those people. We owe them for our liberty, our justice and our freedom. We owe them all.

He read a poem that was written in World War One that is still valid to day. This poem  describes the dying soldiers and the beauty of the world.

In Flanders Fields

By John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

He reminded everyone of famous quote from President John Kennedy “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country?”

We must carry on for the USA. We must endure and prosper. We must educate the youth to serve for our future. Some family members continue to serve our county. We must always remember those who have served. He wanted today to be the best to honor of our fallen members today. God Bless America!

Alex Avanesyan  representing Senator Susan Rubio said she was not able to attend our event today.

She thanked the City Council and the American Legions Post 397 for having this ceremony.

He presented proclamations to the City Council and members of American Legion Post 397.

Esther Lim representing Supervisor Hilda Solis said that Hilda Solis wanted to thank all of those who gave their sacrifices for our country. We respect and value our heroes. We are grateful for their service. Please remember them.

Esther Lim presented proclamations to members of American Legion Post 397 and the City Council.

Leonard Ojeda led the Closing Prayer.  We pray for you  that you have found mercy and peace in the holy name of Jesus.

Members of Boy Scout Troup 329 advised the audience on how to retire our American Flags. They explained each step of the solemn service.

(Editor’s note: What Is Flag Retirement? Flag retirement is the proper and respectful disposal of the flag. Acceptable flag retirement ceremonies may include shredding, cutting (while leaving the blue portion of the flag intact), burning or burying.)

Elijiah Mockabee joined Mayor Jose Sanchez with his daughter, Mayor Pro Tem Thomas Wong, Councilmember Yvonne Yiu, Councilmember Vinh Ngo, Councilmember Henry Lo in a group picture in honor of the day.

The Fallen Soldier’s Table reminded the guests that many family members see an empty chair at their family dinners.

Members of the American Legion Post 397 served a delicious lunch to all of the guests.

American Legion Post 397 located at 338 S Ramona Avenue in Monterey Park is looking for new members and volunteers. Please call (626) 571-9211 for more information on joining the post or renting their hall for you next special event.