“While the current coronavirus pandemic prohibited the Memorial Association from holding its traditional Remembrance Ceremony on Memorial Day, we did not feel it was right not to hold some recognition for our fallen warriors.  A small group of Board members, their families, a few Veterans, and other citizens gathered and held an informal ceremony, which we video recorded.

The ceremony consisted of prayer by Elaine Brattain, National Chaplin of the Gold Star Mothers Association, the pledge of allegiance led by Bridget Bhlem, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, and the reading of the Gold Star Honor Roll.  The readers were Mr. Gary Brattain, father of Army PFC Joel Brattain KIA 2004, Col. Wayne Scott USAF (Retired), and Clay Baxter, Post Commander of the Richard Nixon American Legion Post.

Red roses were placed along the Gold Star Walkway as each name was read, and Coast Guard Auxillary Representative Heather Shanahan rang a Memorial Bell.  TAPS were played, and after a closing prayer, a recording of “Amazing Grace” by a bagpiper band was played before dismissal.   We hope to be able to hold our more traditional ceremony once again on Veterans Day, November 11, 2020.”

View our photos of ceremonies of the past and the construction of the Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial.