Several hundred people gathered at the downtown veterans’ memorial in Morgan Hill May 26, where Vietnam War veteran Eddie Bowers hosted a remembrance as he has done for decades.
The Memorial Day ceremony has become an annual tradition in the community, drawing families, veterans and local residents who come together to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The ceremony began at 9am and opened with a heartfelt prayer given by Pastor David A. Willis of Crossroads Christian Center. Local volunteer and retired school teacher Karen Crane led a sing-along of the national anthem and other patriotic songs for the crowd of attendees.
The ceremony continued with the raising of a veteran’s flag, followed by the reading of the honor-roll by Nick Gaich, including the names of Morgan Hill residents who died in wars from the Second World War through Afghanistan. This was followed by the laying of wreaths, where veteran John Zaucha placed flowers in tribute to the fallen. The ceremony concluded with the haunting notes of Taps played by Steve Johnson on the trumpet.
Bowers, who built the memorial, also hosts a similar remembrance every Veterans Day.
