For some, Memorial Day was the unofficial kickoff to summer.
For many others, Memorial Day was a day to remember the fallen and honor the sacrifice of veterans whose service helps to preserve the ideals and freedoms of the American people.
Residents across Colusa County gathered on Monday to honor the many veterans buried in cemeteries in Arbuckle, Colusa, Williams, and Maxwell, including those who gave their all and those who found their final resting places in the years long after their service.
American flags whipped in the wind as the volley of gunfire and the distinctive sound of Taps marked ceremonies held one after another in observance of the holiday.
Members of the Maxwell American Legion Post No. 218 and Colusa Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2447 opened and closed ceremonies in five area cemeteries where hundreds of service members are buried.
Terry DeLand, at a ceremony in Maxwell, spoke of the difference between Veterans Day, which recognizes all who served; Armed Forces Day, which recognizes the branches of the military; and Memorial Day, which honors the war dead.
“Memorial Day is that special day to recognize the heroes that we have lost; those who sacrificed their lives for the liberties that we enjoy,” DeLand said.
In Williams, Tootie Hacket and Dawn Nissen gave special tributes to the soldiers who served in Vietnam who did not return home to a hero’s welcome like those who served the nation in other wars.
“How could this happen?” Nissen asked. “What were we thinking? Are we too ill informed to understand that wars are created and sustained by politicians, not by the soldiers who do the dirty work and die in circumstances we don’t want to know about and don’t want to think about. We can’t erase history; we shouldn’t erase our regrets. Let our guilt forever remind us that we must never let this happen again…Let us thank them for their service at every opportunity – now and always.”
To remember unknown soldiers who died in all wars, floral offerings were laid in Williams by Gold Star Mother Gloria Estrada and, in Maxwell, by American Legion Auxiliary member Irene Felix.
In Maxwell, American Legion Auxiliary President Bonjie Imoos officiated. Maria Carrancho dedicated eight new additions to the Avenue of Flags in honor of Clarice Richter, Don Carmen, Wayne Hampshire, Kerry Reckers, James Stanley Cleland, Charles Tuttle Jr. Bob Alvernaz, Steven Corbin, and Mike Jones.
“The flag has many names: Old Glory, the Stars and Stripes, the Grand Ole Flag,” Carrancho said. “No matter what it’s called, the flag stands for America, freedom, and equality for all…The flag symbolizes the patriotic ideals of a nation. It recognizes honor to those who died.” ■