On Monday, May 26, more than 500 members of the Coronado community gathered at Star Park for the Annual Memorial Day Service to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The tradition dates back to the Great Depression when the community began this solemn commemoration, reflecting on the lives lost to protect the freedoms cherished by all.
Attendees ranged from infants in strollers to elderly veterans, and their red, white, and blue attire symbolized respect and gratitude for those who have served and their families left behind.
The ceremony commenced with a presentation of colors by Coronado High School’s JROTC Color Guard, followed by Ms. Julia Gonzales Price singing the National Anthem.
After an invocation by VFW Post Chaplain Fred Herrick, Robert Busby read General Logan’s 11th General Order, a foundational aspect of Memorial Day.
The keynote address was delivered by Maj. Gen. Tom Savage, the Commanding General of the First Marine Division, who reminded the audience that Memorial Day is not a day of celebration but rather a day for reflection.
“Today is a day set aside not for celebration, but for reflection, a day to remember those who laid down their lives for our country,” he stated.
Gen. Savage emphasized that peace is maintained through strength and that liberty requires individuals willing to defend it, even at the cost of their lives.
He poignantly addressed the families present, particularly the Gold Star Families, stating, “No words can truly match the weight of your loss; please know this, we see you, we feel with you and we will never forget the sacrifice your loved ones made.”
Gen. Savage encouraged the attendees to honor the fallen in their daily lives, urging them to be guardians of the memory and legacy of those who sacrificed everything for the nation.
Notably, this year’s event was marked by record attendance and a multitude of tributes honoring the fallen.
It was clear that while the speeches grappled with the solemn occasion, it was the families who shared their tributes that encapsulated the true essence of Memorial Day.
Witnesses observed the poignant moments when children who lost parents grew up, spouses continued to cherish memories of their departed loved ones, and families struggled with the weight of their profound losses.
Several families shared tributes, beginning with the Prout family, who honored Rear Admiral James Prout III, who passed away in 1995.
The Keating family followed, remembering Chief Special Warfare Operator Charles Keating IV, who lost his life in Iraq in 2016.
The moment young Kennedy Chambers, accompanied by her mother Mikale, placed a tribute to her father, Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers, who died on a mission in 2024, rendered the crowd silent with emotion.
Gold Star fiancé Rebecca Lincoln and her son Remington also honored Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Remington Peters, who was killed during a parachute demonstration in 2017.
Emcee Christian Ellinger, Col. USMC (Ret.), read the heartfelt tribute from Peters’ family, expressing the loss of a dedicated warrior who served with honor.
In addition to the emotional tributes by families, several local organizations contributed their acknowledgments during the ceremony.
Partner organizations including the General Henry D. Slyer Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2422, Silver Strand Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, Navy League of the United States, Coronado Council, and Marine Corps League, Coronado Detachment, collaborated to coordinate the event.
Capt. Chris Merwin USN (Ret.), President of the Silver Strand Chapter of MOAA, spoke about the significance of the Memorial Day tradition in Coronado, emphasizing the importance of remembering fallen heroes who were stationed at local bases.
He expressed gratitude for the community’s support in this time-honored event dedicated to honoring those who have served.
Capt. Greg Keithley USN (Ret.) and Capt. Rodger Welch, USN (Ret.) from The Tailhook Association offered a tribute to fallen aviators, highlighting the bravery of airmen who lost their lives in service.
Vietnam Veterans LT Bill Lipman, USN (Ret.) and Cmdr. Don Crawford, USN (Ret.), alongside Ms. Beth Holland of the Navy SEAL Foundation, paid tribute to all Naval Special Warfare members killed in action.
Capt. Clint Cornell, USN, Commodore EOD Group ONE, offered a heartfelt tribute to the sacrifices made by Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Mobile Diving and Salvage professionals.
The final tributes were presented by the Girl Scout and Boy Scout Troops of Coronado, who not only participated by sharing testimonies but also helped with logistics by setting up chairs and distributing programs and poppies at the event.
Capt. John Nolan USN (Ret.) served as the lead organizer for this meaningful event and expressed appreciation for the wide array of support from veteran organizations, the Coronado City staff, and the Mayor in planning the ceremony.
He is grateful for the collaboration with local military commands and community partners to enhance the event experience.
This year, Nolan increased seating capacity to accommodate the growing turnout, adding 100 additional chairs for a total of 400 attendees.
John also arranged for a robust sound system to ensure everyone could hear the event clearly, underscoring the importance of community involvement in such a significant occasion.
After the solemn ceremony concluded, guests were invited to the VFW for a light lunch hosted by the partnership of veteran organizations.
This Memorial Day Service serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by so many and the importance of keeping their memories alive in the hearts of those they left behind.
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