Memorial Day in Crestline

By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY

Staff Writer  

 

The Crest Forest Senior Citizens Club, in coordination with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Blue Star Moms and some pastors from local churches, put together a Memorial Day service on Monday, May 27 at the San Moritz Lodge that honored those who gave their all for their country. This annual celebration of those who fought and died for their country brought forth a feeling of patriotism in those who attended.

Many were wearing red, white and blue to reflect the colors of the flag that these solders fought for and defended. They were there to honor those who gave their lives in the defense of their nation, whether during peacetime or during active conflict.

The Memorial Day service opened with an audio recording from President Ronald Reagan, with a memorable quote: “That peace is the highest aspiration of the American people…. We are all Americans and will always remember those who sacrificed their life for others.”

Pastor Bill Mellinger welcomed everyone, reminding them that saying “Happy Memorial Day” doesn’t sound correct as we are honoring and respecting those who gave their lives for us.

Ginger Gabriel and Teri Ostlie and their crew of seamstresses created five Quilts of Valor that were presented this year. Gabriel explained the history behind the quilts, which give the recipients a tangible reminder of their sacrifice and service. She reminded those in the audience that even those who return from the war pay a price for their service.

First to receive one of these handmade quilts was Fred Cash (U.S. Navy), from Montgomery, Ala., who was an electronics specialist and became a submarine repairman. Cash served four years of his six-year assignment living on a submarine, keeping it running. He now lives locally.

Linda Smith (U.S. Air Force) came from Vermont and enlisted, going into the service directly from high school. She was stationed with the Strategic Air Command in Mont. After her discharge at the end of the Vietnam War, she became an air traffic controller with the FAA for 22 years. She now trains therapy dogs.

Lance Corporal (ret.) Nick White (U.S. Marine Corps) is a native mountain resident, graduating from high school in 2003. During his eight years of service, he was an aircraft firefighter, receiving a National Defense Service Medal. He served during both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. His children – Sully (13) and Lilian (Murph) (9) – were sitting in the front row at the ceremony, very proud of their father’s military service. His quilt was sewn by Lori Bunsen.

Jerry Wilkison is part of four generations of U.S. Army war veterans (WWI, WWII, Vietnam and Iraq). His son received a Purple Heart while serving in Iraq. Jerry served during the Vietnam era, beginning 1969 as a helicopter mechanic and crew chief first, in Germany and then in Red Beach, Da Nang Provence. He is grateful for the opportunity to serve his country.

Nevin Warner (U.S. Army) was in the 101 Airborne and, from 1970 to 1971, was a part of the Screaming Eagles and received the Bronze Star for meritorious service for his service to the country. His quilt featured an eagle to honor that part of his service.

Nathan Godwin (U.S. Marine Corps) explained the concept of the POW/MIA table set at most mess halls with a white tablecloth, nice silverware, an upside down wine glass, red rose, yellow ribbon and a pinch of salt, all symbolizing that they are awaiting the return of the missing.

Godwin shared his personal experience after exiting the military and his road to arriving to where he is now. “I remember those who made it home but never made the transition back to civilian life; they gave their greatest love to us and we should honor their sacrifice, too.”  He explained that those who have returned are often suffering from PTSD, a battle scar that is still killing veterans, approximately 27 a day in the U.S., even today.  “If you know of someone who is suffering, talk to them as most soldiers cannot forget the images they saw but, through focused conversations, they can return to an active connection to their community.

Godwin gave the benediction, reminding us all to do something good for others. “Thank you for this day of remembrance. Remember those who made it home but didn’t make the transition and those who went to war for their love for those they left behind but didn’t return. They gave us their greatest love. We should live our lives to honor their sacrifice.”

“Taps” was played by Lou Novins (U.S. Navy).

The VFW distributed flags to all who attended and the Blue Star Mom distributed Vietnam Memorial pins to those 25 vets of the Vietnam era who attended the service. They also received certificates from the Redlands chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Afterwards, a lovely reception of cookies, coffee and lemonade was offered to the full house of those who attended from all over the mountain and those who were visiting for the day.