BARSTOW, Calif. — As attendees poured into the Mt. View Memorial Park, they were met with 1,700 American flags marking the gravestones in honor of Soldiers who’ve passed. This year’s Memorial Day observance was held by, Bill Collins, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2143.
Guest Speaker, the National Training Center’s Garrison Commander, Col. Seth Krummrich, said he was humbled and honored to be addressing the Barstow community for the last time. He reflected on how welcoming the people of Barstow have been to him and Fort Irwin community over the last two years.
“This past year marked the 100th anniversary of World War I,” Krummrich said. “This past November marks a century of the War to End All Wars, and we are reminded of the true cost of conflict.”
Hundreds of locals, friends, Soldiers, veterans, boy scouts, and Gold Star Families gathered in commemoration of fallen service members. Attendees laid ornate red, white and blue wreaths, paying homage to those who’ve perished.
“The nation which forgets their defenders will itself be forgotten,” Krumrich added, quoting President Calvin Coolidge. “That’s why an observance on this day, understanding and respecting its true meaning is important to all of us and future generations.”
After all the wreaths were laid at the foot of the cemetery’s Veterans monument, Fort Irwin’s Chaplain Roger Rodriguez closed with a prayer. Bugles were then sounded and Soldiers from Fort Irwin’s Operations Group saluted with 21 gunshots in honor of those fallen.