Solemn, patriotic Memorial Day observances held throughout central San Joaquin Valley
From sunrise to sunset, graveside to assembly hall, people gathered in the central San Joaquin Valley on Memorial Day weekend to honor those who died in service to the nation.
It started Saturday at places like Academy Cemetery and Redbank Cemetery, both east of Clovis. San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, the massive veterans’ cemetery near Santa Nella, hosted its annual commemoration Sunday with keynote speaker Rep. John Duarte, R-Modesto, and Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria, D-Fresno.
Monday brought several sunrise services including Woodward Park featuring the Gold Star Mothers. Clovis Veterans Memorial District hosted a daylong observance including booths, music, veterans’ documentaries, a patriotic concert featuring the Clovis Community Band and a complimentary luncheon. Another observance was held at the Nisei War Memorial in Roeding Park.
There were many more cemetery observances, too, notably the 60th at Fresno Memorial Gardens. The VFW hosted at ther cemetery on Cornelia Avenue off of Whitesbridge Avenue, U.S. flags filled the air and Bill Goodreau of Central Valley Honor Flight delivered an emotional keynote address. Many people brought flowers to place at the graves of their loved ones and to honor service men and women.
