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Honoring our fallen heroes

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Palmdale memorial day 2013 1PALMDALE – Residents gathered at Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Palmdale Monday morning for a ceremony to honor our fallen heroes. The annual Memorial Day ceremony was hosted by the Antelope Valley Service Organization Association (AVSOA). View highlights of the ceremony below:

The Raising of Colors was conducted by Highland High School Air Force JROTC.
The Raising of Colors was conducted by Highland High School Air Force JROTC.
This time last year, Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford was recovering from a heart attack. During his welcoming remarks Monday, Ledford thanked community members for their support and prayers. Ledford also took time to honor and remember Captain Victoria Ann Castro Pinckney, the Palmdale High School graduate killed in the line of duty earlier this month.
This time last year, Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford was recovering from a heart attack. During his welcoming remarks Monday, Ledford thanked community members for their support and prayers. Ledford also took time to honor and remember Captain Victoria Ann Castro Pinckney, the Palmdale High School graduate killed in the line of duty earlier this month.
Highland High School Air Force JROTC also performed the Table of Honor Ceremony.
Highland High School Air Force JROTC also performed the Table of Honor Ceremony.
Before launching into a poem, titled “I am a Navy Corpsman,” Viola Lawrence took time to remember her husband, U.S. Army veteran Floyd Lawrence, who passed away on May 9.
Before launching into a poem, titled “I am a Navy Corpsman,” Viola Lawrence took time to remember her husband, U.S. Army veteran Floyd Lawrence, who passed away on May 9.
The Sea Scouts, led by Palmdale Council Member Steve Hofbauer, performed the Two Bell Ceremony.
The Sea Scouts, led by Palmdale Council Member Steve Hofbauer, performed the Two Bell Ceremony.
The Laying of the Wreaths was conducted by Linda Hayes with American Legion 348 Women’s Auxiliary and Pat Murray with the Marine Corps League, A.V. Detachment 930.
The Laying of the Wreaths was conducted by Linda Hayes with American Legion 348 Women’s Auxiliary and Pat Murray with the Marine Corps League, A.V. Detachment 930.
More than 100 residents attended the ceremony.
More than 100 residents attended the ceremony.
Palmdale resident Marsha Furman and her granddaughter were among many residents who attended the ceremony.
Palmdale resident Marsha Furman and her granddaughter were among the many residents who attended the ceremony.
“Today is not about celebrating the beginning of the summer season or a holiday from work; today is a solemn day of remembrance,” said Ruben Trejo, Past Commander of the Disabled American Veterans 39.
“Today is not about celebrating the beginning of the summer season or a holiday from work; today is a solemn day of remembrance,” said Ruben Trejo, Past Commander of the Disabled American Veterans 39.

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1 comment for "Honoring our fallen heroes"

  1. I would like to say that I am cery proud to honor those who gave their lives so that yo and I and every american may live the free life we do. I also would like to say how very proud I am of one of the students standing there saluting…my baby sister Nellie Martinez. She is the baby girl of 6 children ranging from ages 35, 33, 21, 20, 19 and herself.I am proud of you mija!! Kepp it up!! Love Feller.. ( the second daughter)