Coronado Community Commemorates the Fallen at Annual Memorial Day Service

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Coronado community members share a moment of remembrance at the Annual Memorial Day Service.

News Summary

The Coronado Annual Memorial Day Service held at Star Park gathered over 500 attendees to honor fallen service members. The ceremony featured tributes, a presentation of colors, and participation from community members of all ages. Local leaders spoke on the significance of the day, while tributes to individuals, including Gold Star families, highlighted the emotional impact of the service. Organized by community veterans and supported by local organizations, the event emphasizes Coronado’s commitment to remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Coronado Community Commemorates the Fallen at Annual Memorial Day Service at Star Park

Coronado—the Annual Memorial Day Service held at Star Park on May 26 drew more than 500 attendees, a record high for the event. This long-standing tradition, which began during the Great Depression, honors the lives of those who made sacrifices for the freedoms enjoyed by the nation.

The ceremony attracted individuals of all ages, from infants to seniors, including members of the military and local artists. Many participants wore red, white, and blue to express their respect and support for fallen service members and their families.

The event commenced with a formal presentation of colors by the Coronado High School JROTC Color Guard. Following the presentation, the National Anthem was sung by Julia Gonzales Price, setting a patriotic tone for the ceremony. VFW Post Chaplain Fred Herrick delivered an invocation, which framed the day’s solemn occasion.

Robert Busby recounted General Logan’s 11th General Order, which established Memorial Day as a dedicated time to remember and honor those who served. Maj. Gen. Tom Savage, the Commanding General of the First Marine Division, spoke about the significance of reflecting on the sacrifices made by servicemen and women. He highlighted the importance of cherishing the price paid for peace and liberty.

A special moment during the service included acknowledgments for Gold Star Families, recognizing the heavy hearts of those who have lost loved ones in military service. Tributes were made to fallen service members, honoring various individuals, including Rear Admiral James Prout III and Chief Special Warfare Operator Charles Keating IV.

One poignant tribute was presented by a young girl, Kennedy Chambers, who placed a memorial for her father, Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers, who passed away in 2024. Additionally, Rebecca Lincoln honored her fiancé, Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Remington Peters, who died during a parachute demonstration in 2017. Other tributes included those for Captain Edmund B. Taylor Jr., honoring all fallen aviators by Capt. Greg Keithley and Capt. Rodger Welch, and a tribute from veterans of the Vietnam War to Naval Special Warfare members.

Capt. Clint Cornell also contributed a tribute on behalf of the Navy’s EOD and diving professionals. The participation of local Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops added to the community spirit, as they assisted in the setup and took part in the ceremony.

The day was organized by Capt. John Nolan, USN (Ret.), who expressed gratitude toward various veteran organizations and city staff for their collaborative efforts. This year’s service noticeably featured a higher number of tributes compared to previous years, reflecting a growing community engagement in honoring their fallen heroes.

After the ceremony, all guests were invited to partake in a light lunch hosted by partnering veteran organizations at the VFW, providing an opportunity for community members to gather and reflect on the day’s emotional events.

This Annual Memorial Day Service stands as a testament to the commitment of the Coronado community to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.