La Mirada Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9148 honored those who fallen military sons and daughters Monday, May 27, in a ceremony that gave reverence to Blue Star families while also bringing together city leaders and service organizations.
The outdoor ceremony at Olive Lawn Memorial Park continued the long standing tradition of events throughout Southern California.
Masters of Ceremonies Dan Siwak, VFW Sr. Vice Commander welcomed special guests and dignitaries, followed by a brief welcome by Dr. Robert Cancio, VFW Commander. The presentation of Colors was performed by the Southeast Academy High School Cadets amid the haunting sounds of Miles Sweet on the bagpipes.
Mayor John Lewis addressed over 100 attendees about the history of Memorial Day, “ The Memorial Day tradition nationally is said to stem
from the aftermath of the Civil War, when in May 1868, Gen. John Logan, the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, proclaimed it in his General Order No. 11, where he sought a day to remember the fallen with flowers strewn on graves. It was originally called Decoration Day.”
Perfectly timed, with the ending of Mayor Lewis address, was the Condor Squadrons yearly tradition of flying over Southern California. A poignant moment for the Mayor because his own father earned the Distinguished Flying Cross in May 1945.
Kelly Garcia, an engineering teacher at Hutchinson Middle School was the keynote speaker of the day. Garcia served in the US Navy from 1987 – 1993 as a Cryptologic Technician Maintenance Petty Officer Second Class. “For this job, I learned how to repair cryptologic communications equipment. It was here that my science and engineering background started. I was able to use my GI Bill to earn my bachelor’s degree, and to ultimately become a teacher.”
She recalled a touching moment before she had shipped out for her first assignment, “I would be gone for three years and I really wanted to see my grandfather who had served in WWII. He declined coming out to see me off.” With a sentimental catch in her throat she recalled him saying “I love you Kelly, but there is nothing that I want to remember about that time.”
When a person is subjected to a life or death situation, a chemical reaction occurs inside the body that heightens awareness, numbs pain, and otherwise prepares the body for escape or imminent attack. What had been known in previous wars as “Nostalgia,” “Old Sergeant’s Disease,” or “Shell Shock,” was now appropriately termed, “Combat Fatigue”. Even after all those years, Garcia said that her grandfather’s memoires were still vivid.
Garcia has been recognized for her work in supporting underrepresented students in STEM subjects both California and National Project Lead-the-Way Gateway Teacher of the Year and California State Assembly woman of the Year.
The tradition of formal recognitions throughout the United States as the day to nationally strew “the choicest flowers of spring-time,” or to place garland wreaths upon the graves of comrades, family, friends, strangers who died in the defense of these United States.
