Memorial Day Ceremony

Memorial Day 2019 at Memorial Park Grass Valley

Monday, May 27, 2019

Over 200 people gathered at 11 a.m. Monday for a Memorial Day ceremony at Memorial Park in Grass Valley. Standing under cloudy skies, the Grass Valley crowd grew silent as 11 a.m. approached and bagpipes began to play. Will Buck, who retired from the Army as a chief warrant officer 2, said many people don’t understand the significance of Memorial Day. “People are forgetting perhaps the most hallowed holiday we have,” he said.

In ones, twos or threes, representatives of military organizations honored their groups. They approached a wreath placed for their organization and either stood in silence or saluted as the group’s name was called.

Breaking from the program, Buck called all World War II veterans to come forward. A handful approached. Someone collected their information as Buck reminded the crowd that every year the nation loses more of its greatest generation. “We don’t fight for any politician,” Buck said. “No matter where we go, we fight for the Constitution. We fight for the people back home.”

Nearing its end, the ceremony grew quiet as the All Veterans Honor Guard raised their rifles for the three-volley salute. Then the bagpipes began again.

“This is all very solemn and brings back a lot of memories,” said Dick Corn, with the honor guard. “People should never say ‘Happy Memorial Day.’ They should say ‘Have a respectful Memorial Day.’ That’s what everyone should say, in my opinion.”

– Photos by Mike H.