Members of American Legion Post 397 proudly posted the American flag during Monterey Park’s service held in front of City Hall on May 27.

Post Commander Gabriel Suarez welcomed all to this Memorial Day event. He led our Pledge of Allegiance and requested our National Anthem be played in honor of this special day.

Post Chaplain Tom McCardy asked God to bless our fallen comrades in the afterlife. Please give them peace, hope and love forever and ever. He asked God to heal their wounds, comfort us and shelter them in Your arms.

Nanette Thompson and Marie Manliguis, members of the Ladies Auxiliary laid a wreath in front of the Veterans Memorial Wall.

Commander Suarez introduced Mayor Teresa Real Sebastian, Mayor Pro Tem Anthony Wong, Councilmembers Hans Liang, Peter Chan and Mitch Ing, City Manager Paul Talbot and Assemblymember Ed Chau to the audience.

World War II veteran William Sanchez said it was a privilege to be here on Memorial Day to honor all of veterans who protect our country. He spoke about attending a meeting of the DAR who believed that only people who arrived on the Mayflower were true Americans. He attended the event with women of all ages. He spoke about World War II and his experience as a soldier in the Philippines and a prisoner of war. The ladies did not know much about the history of World War II.  He spoke about the troops holding out for three months in the Philippines to allow the new bases to be built in Australia. They were fighting a defensive war for the USA. He recalled when the war ended in 1945 he was released in Japan and for the first time saw women in uniform. He was rescued by the 1st Cavalry and very happy to be free. He said you don’t really appreciate your freedoms until you lose them.

David Fuentes a veteran of the 1st Cavalry, Jesse Samaniego, a veteran paratrooper and Ed Griffin, a veteran paratrooper from World War II were introduced to the audience.

Navy veteran Eddie Garcia from the Viet Nam War said he was stationed stateside. We need to honor and thank all of the men and women who sacrificed their all for all of us.

Mayor Real Sebastian thanked everyone for joining with us today. She thanked the Legion and City for putting this event together. Today we honor all of the men and women who gave their lives for our freedoms. She gave the history of the “Red Poppy” that is a symbol of Memorial Day and presented Commander Suarez with poppy seeds to be planted at the post to remember we are in the land of the free.

Mayor Pro Tem Wong thanked all for joining with us today to salute our heroes. They fight for democracy, freedom and human rights for everyone in the world. Freedom is not free. These heroes fought for all of us. We must remember them every day. We must show our kindness and love towards each other. We can enjoy peace and happiness through the world. He asked God to bless America and the world.

Assemblymember Ed Chau said he was truly honored to be here today to remember our fallen heroes of this great nation. Many of our troops are stationed away from their families. Our troops keep us safe and free. They risk their lives to protect us. There is no greater sacrifice to make then to lay down your life for another. We thank them for their service and sacrifices. He presented the City Council with a proclamation.

Councilmember Liang agreed it is an honor to attend this service. He thanked the Legion and City for this event.  Memorial Day recognizes the fallen. Freedom is not free. He has the utmost gratitude to the veterans. The heroes of the battlefields. You all made serious contributions. Heroism is putting your brother before yourself. Please realize that everyday men and women are sacrificing for us. He asked God to bless everyone and America.

Councilmember Chan said that today is a day of respect and to pay tribute to all of those who have sacrificed for us. We thank all for the days of freedom we have. The military members follow orders and some did not come back. Today we can enjoy peace. We owe all of the men and women who sacrificed for us. We respect all of the veterans. Please enjoy this day we owe to you.

Councilmember Ing agreed it was an honor to be here in front of City Hall on Memorial Day. He spoke about taking a neighbor and visiting the USS Iowa berthed in Long Beach. His neighbor served on the USS New Jersey during World War II and relived his days living on the ship. He spoke about the plans to have veterans’ pictures being displayed at the Post 397 on a wall of honor.  His grandfather invited him to move to Monterey Park to attend college. His grandfather served in World War II. He thanked all of the service men and women today.

Commander Suarez thanked everyone for coming to Memorial Day. He gave a history lesson on this special day that was established in 1868.  We place flowers and flags on the graves of all the veterans who died for us in all of the wars. He said in 1863 President Lincoln stated at Gettysburg that the dead have spoken through their deaths. Please remember the “Red Poppy” as a sign of respect. We should honor and respect their sacrifices.

Chaplain McCardy asked God to bless Monterey Park and those who paid the ultimate price.

Commander Suarez said to always remember the veterans. He invited everyone to join them at the post for lunch.

Residents thanked each one of the veterans for their service to our country.

A delicious lunch was served at the post.