Bill Craddock, a Pearl Harbor Survivor, also served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War in his 24 years of service. He said he was proud to present the wreath, but it brought back the memories of wars past and thoughts of those serving the country now.
“Though it is great to be here and to be a survivor, it is the bones of our comrades that died in combat that we must remember,” he said.
Bill Craddock, a Pearl Harbor Survivor, also served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War in his 24 years of service. He said he was proud to present the wreath, but it brought back the memories of wars past and thoughts of those serving the country now.
“Though it is great to be here and to be a survivor, it is the bones of our comrades that died in combat that we must remember,” he said.
Active duty, veterans and the community gathered in Lakeside on Monday to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. The Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) Carter-Smith Post 5867 held its 67th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony. Nearly 200 attended the afternoon event, beginning with the ceremonial laying of wreaths, then bouquets of red, white and blue flowers that representing the bravery and sacrifice, freedom and happiness, and the death and honor of those who never made it home.
Paul Boston, Lakeside Post VFW 5867 commander said the monument in front of the VFW represents the resting place of many departed comrades who served all wars.
“Our presence here is in solemn commemoration for those men and an expression of commitment to their devotion to duty, their courage and patriotism,” he said. “By their service in the air, by land, and on the seas they have made us debtors for the flag of our nation that still flies over the land of free people.”
State Senator Joel Anderson, 36th District said when he goes to Sacramento he votes for the good bills and against the bad bills and does that because members of the military lay their lives down to give us that freedom to allow us to vote, allow us to live in a free society.
“We share a common purpose, to honor those brave men and women,” he said. “The families of the soldiers that don’t come home also pay a price and we need to always remember their sacrifice too. Out of the tears and sadness today for the veterans that never came home also comes a responsibility to make sure they are never forgotten.”
Lakeside’s Scouts Troops 346 and 342 dedicated their day to set up, serve lunch and clean up after the event.
Marti Butz, den mother, Cub Scout Pack 345 said the scout troops were there to support the men and women who have fought for freedom.
“It is very important for them for they need to see how the military serves us and our way of life,” she said. “They are here to see how much support they receive. It is good for them to see the military presence in our lives.”
