Veterans, friends, family gather to honor country's fallen heroes on Memorial Day

Three thousand miles away, in Arlington National Cemetery, a president once again laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and in countless small towns and large cities throughout the United States, similar observances were taking place as a thankful nation honored its fallen heroes.

And in a quiet Lemoore cemetery, in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the red, white and blue of the American flag was fully on display, smaller versions dotting the vast expanse of green, proudly reminding us of those brave men and women who served their country in two World Wars, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War and of course the 21st Century’s continuing War on Terror.

The patriotic remembrance came courtesy of Lemoore’s Fleet Reserve Association 261, the American Legion Post 100 and Lemoore area Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts.

A Naval Air Station Lemoore Honor Guard played taps and fired a 21-gun salute to conclude the half-hour observance, highlighted by an inspiring talk from Capt. David James, the NAS Lemoore commanding officer.

“Today is the day we praise and commemorate those who died,” he said proudly, speaking to veterans, their families and others. “It’s up to us to carry on this true meaning of the observance.”

James went on to say that the men and women who gave their lives for their country should never be forgotten. “They were real people, and it’s important that we continue to tell their stories.”

Ike Payne Jr., representing the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), served 21 years in the United States Navy and retired in Lemoore in 1984. He was a Vietnam veteran and felt the brunt of the war up close, serving on river boats that transported Army soldiers up and down Vietnam waterways. “I was 13 months in Vietnam,” said Payne. “It was a scary situation, and we were in a flotilla where we have river craft going up and down the river. We took Army personnel in for firefights. It was pretty hectic.”

The 72-year-old veteran, father of a boy and girl, is proud of his service and happy to be an important part of the annual Memorial Day remembrance.

“It means it’s a day to recognize the fact that we’re here free today because our “fore fellows” and forefathers and comrades gave their lives to make it so,” he said. “I’m grateful for this day because my father was also a veteran. He was in the Army and I’m better known as a military brat. It’s a very, very important date for veterans.”

When it was all over and the remembrances of loved ones and friends lingered, there were certainly a few tears shed. They were quickly wiped away only to be replaced by more tears, and when a Navy bugler completed his solemn but respectful version of “Taps,” one could almost feel the collective gratitude of thousands of fallen heroes.