For the past five years we have been taking our kids to the Memorial Day Service at Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana. The service runs about 2 hours and we bring our blankets and snacks and sit among the hundreds of families there to honor the men and women who have served our country.
I love seeing the different generations come together during the ceremony. My favorite part is when they honor the different branches of service by asking soldiers to stand up as they call out: Marines, Army, Navy, etc. It touches me every time. They also recognize soldiers from different wars and conflicts. This was the first year there were no Pearl Harbor survivors represented--not one. It was a shocking reminder we need to take the time to remember.
Take a look at my photo slideshow below from the service. It's a valuable OC tradition and I'm happy to say every year it grows! More people attended this year than any other year!
If you've served in our county's military "Thank you."
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This is beautiful. So many people mix in their own views today, it should be about that. It should be simply about remembering, thanking, and honoring the men and women who fought for our freedom. Thank you for the wonderful pictures and words.
Posted by: Connie Davis | May 31, 2010 at 10:54 PM
You are so wonderful to participate in this every year; you are teaching your children well Suz.
Great photos, as always.
Posted by: busybeesuz | June 01, 2010 at 05:27 AM
I love a good collage. A great way to show all the good photos...and you have so many in this group. All of them are blog worthy.
Posted by: The Glamorous Life Association | June 01, 2010 at 06:30 AM
Just beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us. Loved it.
Posted by: Jenelyn | June 01, 2010 at 07:23 AM
That was very moving. Great job!
Posted by: Jill | June 01, 2010 at 07:56 AM
So beautiful. God Bless them every single one....
Posted by: Mental P Mama | June 01, 2010 at 08:28 AM
We always attend our city's Memorial Day parade. In fact, this year we were in it. I'm always moved to tears by the time the ceremony at the veteran's memorial begins.
Posted by: MomZombie | June 01, 2010 at 12:11 PM
Loving your blog :)
Posted by: adventure grrl | June 01, 2010 at 02:46 PM
Sorry we missed you, Suzanne. We go every year also. It's always neat cuz I get to stand up as the music plays for both the Navy and the Army!
Posted by: Troy Meier | June 01, 2010 at 09:25 PM
I notice the Pearl Harbor Survivor number dwindling every year at the July 4th parade.
I've never been to this but I'd love to go next year.
Posted by: Dandy | June 02, 2010 at 12:50 PM
I love this post!
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Posted by: noe noe girl | June 11, 2010 at 08:48 AM