The 13th annual Memorial Day cdelebration will be held at National City’s La Vista Memorial Park & Mortuary, located on Orange Street, on Memorial Day, May 27, from 1 to 3 p.m.
The cemetery, once known as “Silent City on the Hill,” was established in 1870 and became Silver Gate Cemetery then La Vista. It is hosting the Memorial Day celebration. The grave sites include 30 Civil War graves for both union and confederate soldiers.
Included in the ceremony will be a member or members of Sons and Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, the Pearl Harbor Survivor Association Carnation Chapter Three San Diego, and a reading of Gen. John A. Logan’s Memorial Day order.
“The Pearl Harbor Survivor Association Carnation Three San Diego chapter will be disbanding this September,” said La Vista Memorial Park & Mortuary’s executive director Luisa McCarthy. The members are passing away. Besides the U.S .Marine Corps, the PHSA Carnation Three San Diego chapter will be emphasized.
“I recorded a message from Stuart Hedley, who will turn 97 in October,” said McCarthy.
“He will be attending services in Normandy.” His message will be presented at the service.
According to McCarthy, a sharing of the compiled history of Theodoric Romeyn Palmer, Lt. Col. Union Army (Ret), will be read.
Additionally, the Navy’s symbolic Two-Bell Ceremony will be performed. During the ceremony a table is set with a red rose to signify the blood of fallen shipmates, a glass of water represents water to quench the fallen’s thirst for freedom, salt to remind all of the pain they felt, and a white linen table cloth that represents a clean bandage for the fallen’s wounds.
Besides the ringing of the bell two times, a dinner table setting is to show the place the fallen hold in American’s hearts.
Food will be served by community leaders and dignitaries.
“This is my 13th celebration to serve food and speak,” said National City City Council member Ron Morrison. “The celebration is very patriotic. They serve a picnic lunch for everyone. It’s open to the public and is a good way to remind people what Memorial Day is all about.”
“We will serve hot dogs, chips, soda and cookies,” said McCarthy of the free food.
Other community leaders serving food will include Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis, council member Mona Rios and police Chief Jose Tellez.
“Each year they have a different emphasis,” said Morrison. “This year it’s about the Marine Corps. They had at least 500 attend last year.”
“Singer Ruby A. Barnard will be singing,” said McCarthy. Barnard, a jazz singer, was inducted by the Hall of Fame. Barnard will be accompanied by a band of renowned musicians.
McCarthy stated the celebration will go on rain or shine.
