Memorial Day ceremony honors local fallen soldiers and those in
active duty serving the country
Morgan Hill – With men and women of various branches of the armed forces facing dangerous situations daily in the battlefield, such as Monday’s riots in Afghanistan, the crowd gathered Monday morning for the Memorial Day ceremony in downtown Morgan Hill may have been more than usually solemn.
The gathering of more than 100 in downtown at the memorial plaque at Monterey Road and First Street said several prayers, led by Rev. Anita Warner of the Advent Lutheran Church.
They prayed for those who gave their lives in the service of their country, those who are prisoners of war or missing in action and those now serving.
The crowd – ranging from small children to teenagers and young adults to white-haired veterans – gathered at the memorial for the annual ceremony organized by local Vietnam veteran Eddie Bowers.
The flag was raised and then lowered to half staff in honor of fallen soldiers, and the crowd sang the national anthem.
Warner asked the crowd to “honor those who died and those who serve still,” and told them to speak aloud or to themselves the names of friends who are serving. She also asked in prayer for God to “heal the breach between peoples and nations.”
After the prayers, a group of children from Carden Academy and Barrett Elementary School sang “Those Who Served,” “Proud to Be An American” and “God Bless America.”
Dave Roach then read the names of those on the memorial, both prisoners of war and missing in action and those killed while in service.
Every year the flag is flown in honor of a specific veteran. Monday, the flag was raised in honor of veteran Kenneth Parks.
Just below the big American flag Bowers raised a small black flag was flown dedicated to the Vietnam War’s prisoners of war and those still missing in action. The flag reminded residents of what happens in war and in prison camps.
“I know what it’s like in war, what it’s like not to be recognized,” said Bowers, a retired barber. “So, if you see a soldier, comfort him and let him know you care.”
Unlike the almost universal support for World War II and its military heroes, the Vietnam War was so divisive and so many people were against American involvement, that they often took out their frustration on the returning soldiers. Bowers said the double experience – battle in the jungle; battle at home – causes continued nightmares for many.
Marilyn Dubil covers education and law enforcement for The Times. Reach her at (408) 779-4106 ext. 202 or at md****@mo*************.com.
