Every year, there is a great turn out at the Veteran’s Memorial site at the north end of Alhambra Park to observe and remember the Alhambra veterans and those from the rest of the country who gave their lives, the ultimate sacrifice, for our nation’s freedom.
World War II veteran and retired Alhambra Firefighter, 100-year-old Larry Stevens came to remember his older brother Ernest Stevens. Ernest, while serving with General Patton’s army in Sicily, was killed in action in 1943. I came to remember my best friend in grade school, Capt. George Morris USAF, who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1973.
The Memorial Day observance was presented again this year by the City of Alhambra in conjunction with American Legion Post 139. Of the crowd that gathered at the Veteran’s Memorial, it seemed that at least half were veterans, each with his or her own reasons to remember fallen friends. The ceremony was short, respectful, and sacred.
From 10 to 11 am, the growing crowd was serenaded by the Sunset Singers, three young ladies dressed in army green dresses and singing songs that were popular during World War II. Their last song is always ‘Boobie Woogie Bugle Boy.’
The dignitaries present included Mayor Katherine Lee, and Council members Ross Maza, Noya Wang, and Adele Andrade-Stadler, as well as popular former Mayor Gary Yamauchi, American Legion Post 139 Commander Gilbert Cardoza, and representatives of State Assemblyman Mike Fong and State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez.
The Posting of the Colors was conducted by the Alhambra Police Department’s Color Guard while scouts from Cub Scout Pack 261 and Girl Scout Troop 7121 led the flag salute. This was followed by short speeches on the importance of the day and the heroes it honors by Mayor Lee and Post Commander Cardoza. But it was Post 139 Chaplain Larry Uranga who stole the show and made the event memorable for his wit and humor.
At the end of the official ceremony, the veterans and active service members were asked to come forward for a group picture. It was the most poignant moment of the event to see how many people with Alhambra connections have served in our nation’s armed services.
Guests were then invited to enjoy refreshments on site and Commander Cardoza offered everyone the opportunity to join him at the Post Headquarters at 24 N Stoneman Ave. for lunch.
If you have a service member to remember, you are invited and encouraged to attend Veteran’s Day observances on November 11 and next year’s Memorial Day remembrance.
