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Veterans Day ceremony held at Lancaster Cemetery

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U.S. Army veteran Tracy May (left) and U.S. Navy veteran Pat Weese were the ceremony's Hometown Hero Honorees. Both have donated hundreds of hours over the years to complete various projects at Lancaster Cemetery. In fact, both were hard at work just a few days ago on the new benches and planters in the Veteran's Court of Honor, said Lancaster Cemetery District Manager Dayle DeBry.
U.S. Army veteran Tracy May (left) and U.S. Navy veteran Pat Weese were the ceremony’s Hometown Hero Honorees. Both have donated hundreds of hours over the years to complete various projects at Lancaster Cemetery. In fact, both were hard at work just a few days ago on the new benches and planters in the Veteran’s Court of Honor, said Lancaster Cemetery District Manager Dayle DeBry.

LANCASTER – Well over 200 people gathered in the Veterans Court of Honor at Lancaster Cemetery Tuesday morning for a ceremony honoring veterans, service members and their families.

“It is the one day of the year our nation sets aside to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of our brave men and women,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Charles Navarro, the ceremony’s featured speaker.

Navarro spoke about the traits that define a veteran and the importance of remembering those duties that carry on after military service.

The featured speaker was Petty Officer 3rd Class Charles Navarro, who is a staff assistant to Congressman Howard “Buck” McKeon.
The featured speaker was Petty Officer 3rd Class Charles Navarro, who is a staff assistant to Congressman Howard “Buck” McKeon.

“When we leave the military, we find all too often that our new mission we must face is here at home,” Navarro said. He said the realities of civilian life may overwhelm some veterans, who then drown in feelings of abandonment and come to the false conclusion that finding help is hopeless and no one cares.

“Those are the veterans we must not forget about,” Navarro said. “We must remind those veterans that they are not alone, because the greatest casualty is being forgotten.”

Speaking directly to those veterans who may be experiencing inner struggles, Navarro said:

“The first step is yours to take in initiating the process of getting the help you need and deserve. The inner struggles you may be experiencing have been experienced by others and they cannot be seen unless you make them known. So tear down your wall… make your mind, body and soul vulnerable, because believe me when I say this, you are not alone.”

Another highlight of the Lancaster ceremony was the presentation to Hometown Hero Honorees Pat Weese (US Navy, 1961-1965) and Tracy May (US Army, 1967-1968). Both were honored for their tireless commitment to the Lancaster Cemetery District over the past five years.

“Their volunteering began with the concrete work on our Japanese Memorial and continues today… with our Veterans Court of Honor,” said Lancaster Cemetery District Manager Dayle DeBry. “We are forever grateful for their kindness and caring attitude when asked to help with any of our projects …We would have never been able to accomplish what we have here without them.”

The Lancaster Veterans Day ceremony also included the presentation of colors and flag salute by Joe Walker Middle School Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron 804, singing of the National Anthem led by Blue Star Mothers President Sylvia Gaxiola, and placing of the memorial wreaths by Lancaster Cemetery District Trustees.

A few sights from the ceremony

Quartz Hill Community Church Pastor Don Patterson gives the invocation before the crowd of more than 200.
Quartz Hill Community Church Pastor Don Patterson gives the invocation before the crowd of more than 200.
Runaway band members Jim Hinds (left) and Doug Bonanno perform "God bless America." The duo also performed "God bless the USA" as some members in the audience sang along.
Runaway band members Jim Hinds (left) and Doug Bonanno perform “God bless America.” The duo also performed “God bless the USA” as some members in the audience sang along.
The Antelope Valley Young Marines came out to support local veterans. Congressman-elect Steve Knight (background) also attended the ceremony.
The Antelope Valley Young Marines came out to support local veterans. Congressman-elect Steve Knight (background) also attended the ceremony.
Two members of Her Majesty's Royal Air Force attended the ceremony and stood up to be recognized.
Two members of Her Majesty’s Royal Air Force attended the ceremony and stood up to be recognized.
Lancaster Cemetery District Manager Dayle DeBry heaped accolades on the Hometown Hero Honorees.
Lancaster Cemetery District Manager Dayle DeBry heaped accolades on the Hometown Hero Honorees.
Lt. Col. Traci Scott (retired), Commander of Joe Walker Middle School Civil Air Patrol Squadron 804 spoke about the importance of the Wreaths Across America project and urged attendees to support the local effort.
Lt. Col. Traci Scott (retired), Commander of Joe Walker Middle School Civil Air Patrol Squadron 804 spoke about the importance of the Wreaths Across America project and urged attendees to support the local effort.
Carlos Medina and his daughter-in-law Vicki Medina read a commendation to veterans from former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung. The commendation would be presented to Crazy Otto’s owner Jin Hur, Medina said.
Carlos Medina and his daughter-in-law, Vicki Medina, read a Commendation to Veterans from former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung. The commendation would be presented to Crazy Otto’s owner Jin Hur, Medina said.
Attendees were given the opportunity to sign Get Well cards sending message of encouragement to ailing World War II veterans Walt Primmer Flora Belle Reece.
Attendees were given the opportunity to sign “Get Well” cards sending messages of encouragement to ailing World War II veterans Walt Primmer Flora Belle Reece.

 

Filed Under: Lancaster

5 comments for "Veterans Day ceremony held at Lancaster Cemetery"

  1. Very nice article and pictures. ‘Would have liked to have seen a picture of the Blue Star Mothers of Military Men and Women placing wreaths under each service branch’s flag.

  2. I was disappointed not to see an article on the Veterans Day ceremony at Joshua Memorial Park. It, also, was very beautiful.

  3. Civil Air Patrol Squadron 804 from Joe Walker Stealth Academy presented the raising of the flag. Way to Go! Peace to our Veterans! Thank You!

  4. It was a beautiful day in the A.V. to honor our veterans. Dont forget to visit the Wall of Honor in Palmdale tonight. Support Our Troops!