CORONA DEL MAR TODAY

Hundreds Gather in Corona del Mar to Honor Fallen Soldiers

Corona del Mar marked Memorial Day with a 90-minute ceremony held at Pacific View Memorial Park.

Several hundred people — including veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq — gathered to hear music, speeches and to watch floral wreaths being presented.

“It’s not just about the barbecue,” said Sgt. Maj. Michael Templeton of the U.S. Marines based in Camp Pendleton. “It’s about we can have a barbecue.”

Templeton passed out copies of Memorial Day political cartoons that made the point of remembering fallen soldiers while we plan summer parties and cookouts. He also passed out flags and spoke about men he served with in Iraq who were killed.

“I will forever memorialize them,” he said.

Musicians from the Mountain Fifes and Drums group played and carried flags that blew in the strong breeze, and children from the Celebration U.S.A. group wore patriotic sparkling outfits and sang songs for each branch of the military. Veterans stood as their songs were performed, saluting at the end, their friends patting them on the back.

A bagpipe player performed “Taps” as Newport Beach Fire Department representatives set free dozens of doves. Throughout the ceremony, guests held small flags that were passed out, and many people placed flags on the markers of soldiers buried in the park.

To watch video of the Fifes and Drums group, click here and here. To watch video of “Taps” being played, click here.