`AVENUE OF THE FLAGS'
VFW, American Legion co-sponsor Ukiah ceremony
`Fair Winds and Following Seas'
`Word to the Nation: Guard zealously your right to serve in the Armed Forces, for without them, there will be no other rights to guard.' — President John F. Kennedy
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1900 and The American Legion Lewis White Post 76 co-sponsored the annual Memorial Day Observance at Russian River Cemetery in Ukiah on May 30, 2022, after a twoyear hiatus due to COVID sequestering.
About 150 attended the solemn ceremony led by Mary Ann Gonzalez, Commander, VFW Post 1900 — the annual ceremony honoring the lives of those in service to this country who have died. As more and more WWII Veterans die each day (200 a day now), time is short to honor the remaining living Veterans.
“The Memorial Day Observance commemorates the Veteran dead of all wars emphasizing the VFW pledge to honor the dead by helping the living. The VFW and the American Legion look upon all these honored ones as comrades,” explained Gonzalez.
At noon, the flag was raised from half-staff to full staff and the ceremony began.
“The flag is raised to full staff in the memory of our deceased Veterans by the living who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue to fight for liberty and justice for all. Within our organization are men and women who have served under the Flag of the United States in many ways to preserve American freedoms,” added Gonzalez.
The Invocation was led by American Legion Chaplain Gerry Burney.
“The honors we symbolize here express the appreciation of the VFW and the American Legion men and women for all comrades-in-arms,” said Gonzalez. “We are assembled here to pay tribute to the men and women of our community who have served in the United States Armed Forces. We have also come here to dedicate a roll call of honor naming the men and women of this community who went forth as the living strength of our flag. They were the United States Armed Forces on land, sea and in the air.”
The 468 American flags that line the streets of the cemetery were set into place by volunteers starting at 6 a.m. “The Avenue of Flags” was comprised
entirely of burial flags donated by families of those who passed on and was on display until mid-afternoon.
“They were all on the caskets of our fallen heroes,” said Gonzalez. Flags currently span WWI through Vietnam.
Before the playing of “TAPS,” the bell was tolled as the names of each of the 105 Ukiah-area veterans who had died during the past year were read aloud during the ceremony before the traditional laying of wreaths and a rifle salute. Pipe Major Charles Martin played “Amazing Grace” on his bagpipe while the names of the deceased were read. During the ceremony, Hailea Syfert and Kyle Young, members of Devil Pups, presented the wreaths and flowers.
Carole Hester provided music.
To view this year's Memorial Day Observance, here are some links: https://www. facebook.com/ukiahamericanlegion/; https://www. facebook.com/vfw-post1900-ukiah-ca; Ukiah Area: Neighbors Helping Neighbors Facebook; Ukiah fan page community Facebook; Hey Ukiah, What's going on? Facebook; Ukiah Public News Forum; Ukiah Fan Page Community: https://www. facebook.com/groups/ukiahevents/; Ukiah Area Neighbors Helping Neighbors: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ukiahareaneighborhelpingneighbor/; Mendocino County Facebook; Cheryl Johnson Video Production website; Cheryl Johnson Video Production Facebook; Creative Workshop Printing & Copies Facebook; Scooters Deli Facebook.
Note
“Fair Winds and Following Seas” is really two quotes originating from different sources. The two quotes are a nautical phrase of good luck — a blessing as it were — as the person, group, or thing it is said to departs on a voyage in life. It is often used at a “beginning” ceremony such as a commissioning ceremony of a ship or people, as well as in retirement, change of command, or farewell ceremonies. Courtesy of Department of the Navy — Naval Historical Center.
`Taps'
Taps is the most beautiful of bugle calls. Played slowly and softly, it has a smooth, tender and touching character.
The bugle call was written during the Peninsula Campaign of the Civil War by General Daniel A. Butterfield with assistance from his bugler, Oliver W. Norton, in 1862.
“Taps” went on from its origin as an alternate to “Lights Out” to become not only a signal that day was done but also a heartfelt good-bye to a fallen comrade. “Taps” is customarily played at funerals at Arlington National Cemetery as well as during ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The composer of “Taps” is buried in the Post Cemetery at the United States Military Academy at West Point even though he did not graduate from the Academy.