August 16, 2025

Community Honors Heroes at Memorial Day Service

News Summary

Over 500 community members gathered at Star Park for the Annual Memorial Day Service, honoring fallen soldiers through tributes and speeches. The event highlighted the importance of remembering sacrifices made by military personnel and strengthened community bonds. Major General Tom Savage addressed Gold Star Families, encouraging pride in their legacies. The service saw the highest attendance in recent history, reflecting growing community involvement and dedication to honoring heroes. Attendees enjoyed a light lunch afterward, fostering connections through shared narratives of sacrifice and familial love.

Coronado – More than 500 community members gathered at Star Park on May 26 to participate in the Annual Memorial Day Service, a long-standing tradition that has continued since the Great Depression. The ceremony served to honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives for the country, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds, all dressed in patriotic colors of red, white, and blue.

The event kicked off with a presentation of colors by the Coronado High School JROTC Color Guard, setting a solemn tone as attendees paid their respects. The National Anthem was performed by Ms. Julia Gonzales Price, followed by an invocation delivered by VFW Post Chaplain Fred Herrick. Robert Busby read General Logan’s 11th General Order, which formally established Memorial Day as a day of remembrance.

Major General Tom Savage took the stage to emphasize the importance of commemorating the sacrifices made by fallen soldiers. He specifically addressed Gold Star Families, acknowledging their deep sense of loss while encouraging them to take pride in the legacies of their loved ones. In his speech, he highlighted that the mourning of the dead should transform into gratitude for their lives, echoing sentiments that resonate deeply within the military community.

The 2025 service marked the highest attendance in recent history, with a strong showing of tributes honoring various heroes. Rear Admiral James Prout III was remembered by his family, and the memory of Chief Special Warfare Operator Charles Keating IV was also honored by the Keating family. In a touching moment, young Kennedy Chambers paid tribute to her father, Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers, who passed away in 2024. Another emotional remembrance was provided by Gold Star fiancé Rebecca Lincoln and her son, who honored Navy SEAL Remington Peters, who died in a parachute accident in 2017.

The event reflected immense community involvement, with various military and community organizations contributing. Notable participants included the Silver Strand Chapter of MOAA and local Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops. The organization of the event was spearheaded by Capt. John Nolan, USN (Ret.), who coordinated the logistics and engaged with community volunteers to enhance the experience for attendees.

As the ceremony concluded, guests were invited to the VFW for a light lunch, hosted by veteran organizations. The gathering not only paid tribute to the fallen but also encouraged community support and remembrance through shared narratives of sacrifice and familial love. Feedback from attendees indicated that the significance of the Memorial Day tradition continues to grow, fostering a deeper connection within the community.

Capt. Chris Merwin, USN (Ret.), remarked on the value of the Memorial Day tradition, underscoring the necessity of community involvement in honoring the sacrifices of military personnel. Attendance at the event has increased year over year, prompting the addition of extra seating this time around, demonstrating the community’s commitment to honoring their heroes.

Significant contributions were made by local military commands, the Fire Department, and volunteers, all working together to celebrate the day’s purpose. The Coronado Annual Memorial Day Service stands as a poignant reminder of the collective effort to remember those who gave everything for their country while also reinforcing the bonds of community within Coronado.