Memorial Day honors those who gave their all

By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY

Staff Writer

 

The last Monday in May was set aside in 1971 as Memorial Day to honor those who never returned from war by giving up their lives to protect the freedoms of this country. The service to honor those men and women who died in the defense of America was held at the San Moritz Lodge in Crestline at 11 a.m. on May 25, 2026. Americans owe a debt to those soldiers who gave their all.

Those involved in the service were Darrel Artiaga, Chief Master Sergeant, retired, of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9624; American Legion Post 360, which posted the colors; Bill Mellinger of the Crestline First Baptist Church; and guest speakers Nathan Godwin, Michael Brewer of the Marine League, Eddie Romero and the Blue Star Moms.

Those who died in the defense of our nation were honored during the ceremony, along with those who returned but were never the same again, and those whose whole lives were affected by being in the war. Every time a service member is lost, his entire family is affected forever as their loss leaves a hole in the entire family for generations.

The military color guard from the American Legion posted the colors and George Faragalli, retired US Coast Guard, led the flag salute. Then Destiny Love sang the Star-Spangled Banner. The video on the story of the U.S. flag, “My Name is Old Glory” by Evangelo Morris, was very impactful.

Nathan Godwin, US Marine Corps, spoke on how military service, especially in a war zone, forever impacts lives. And how the phrase, “I’ve seen some things,” explains a life-changing experience. Life is a journey, and that phrase can open doors in the company of others who also have seen things and can lead to healing.

“We gather today to remember those who were lost, including those who are still MIA, 81,000 of them, and it breaks my heart. It is estimated about 40,000 of them were lost never to return,” said Mellinger.

Guest speaker Michael Brewer, who was the post commander and chaplain of the Victor Valley Marine Corps League, suggested America and Americans take a short  break from the divisions between groups in America in politics. It could lead to healing and lessen the PTSD some suffer daily as they hear the conflict. Brewer had been a combat squad leader in the Marine Corps. He explained why he believes the best way to honor veterans would be with a month of political silence.

The Quilts of Valor program began in Washington, D.C.; they are given to the living in honor of those who have gone before. So far over 350,000 have been presented nationwide and several hundred have been sewn and presented on the mountain.

Two Quilts of Valor were presented by Dr. Ginger Gabriel during this Memorial Day service. Vietnam veteran Larry Philippe served in the Army from 1967 to 1970. He was an NCO at Fort Hood and was in the reserve from 1970 to 1977. He is currently in American Legion Post 360. Philippi was wrapped in his quilt by Nathan Godwin and Craig Swanson.

Dr. Gabriel presented another Quilt of Valor to Wayne Palmer, who is well known locally as a contractor for his dedication to the Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities for the past 23 years, making homes warm, dry and safe. Palmer was in U.S. Armored Intelligence as a Spec E-5. He spent two years active duty and two years in the Reserves in Germany, becoming an engineer.

Then, Mellinger led the audience in singing the military theme songs for all branches of the service. He had those veterans from each branch stand while their song was sung by audience members.

Nadia Phillips from Blue Star Moms spoke on the Hometown Hero banners hung up around the mountain communities and the meanings of the star on the banners. Those with a blue star are currently actively serving in the military. Those with a silver star were injured in action, and gold stars mean the military member was killed in action. Gold Star Mom Kathleen York, mother of Patrick Wade, spoke on the life of her son who was a Master Blaster for 20 years in munitions. He was stationed in Spain, but died in Iraq while traveling in a vehicle caravan, by an intentionally detonated bomb. She shared the great honor he received when brought home, with a 21-gun salute and by every person on base standing at attention in his honor.

Artiaga spoke on the impact of meeting family who had lost their father in WWII, but how several generations still honor his memory and how they always will honor his service to the country. The memory of the fallen is a promise we will never forget. Freedom is not free, but worth it and paid for by those who died in pursuit of peace. “Our freedom has a cost and we honor those who gave up their lives to allow us to live in a free country.”

Pastor Bill Mellinger gave the benediction: “Bless those who have lost someone they loved, and may our God of comfort, offer comfort to you.”

Taps was performed from the balcony by Greg Siples as everyone stood in honor.

The colors were retired and the audience was invited to enjoy cookies and refreshments. The Crest Forest Senior Citizens Club once again hosted the Memorial Day service and provided the refreshments.

Tattered flags were retired in a formal ceremony at VFW Post 9624 later that afternoon, followed by refreshments and live music.