By Khalida Sarwari
Before the barbecues and picnics, hundreds of people took time on Memorial Day morning to honor veterans and current members of the U.S. military at Saratoga’s annual observance event.
The event drew more than 800 people, said Cynthia Chang, a Foothill Club member who co-chaired the event with Marguerite McAfee. With the exception of an incident where an elderly woman fainted during the ceremony and had to be rushed to a hospital, the event went smoothly, Chang said.
“It was a beautiful program,” she said. “Everything worked out well, and I think the Saratoga Foothill Club members also helped out a great deal. I cannot be happier for how the program went.”
The event started at the Memorial Arch in Blaney Plaza and continued on to Madronia Cemetery. Foothill Club president Dianna Espinosa made opening remarks at Blaney Plaza, followed by a flag ceremony led by the Girl Scouts and procession down to Madronia for a performance of “Taps” and the placement of laurel sprays on soldiers’ graves. Pastor Bill Allison of the Saratoga Federated Church gave the invocation.
The keynote speeches were given by Master Sgt. David Kennedy and Saratoga High School student Jennifer McAfee. Kennedy is a 28-year veteran of the army and army reserves who is stationed at Moffett Field. He is the son of a Navy veteran.
Mayor Emily Lo made her remarks, and others shared tributes and reflections and offered prayers. Councilwoman Jill Hunter was the only member of the city council unable to attend, Chang said.
“The message from all the speakers was that we need to remember what people have done for us in the past and right now in the military services, and that we should be ready for our share when it’s our turn to protect our country and make it a better place for everyone,” Chang said.
She said she looks forward to co-chairing the event again next year and continuing a tradition that is meaningful to many in the community.
“It’s really a pleasure working with this wonderful group of organizations and individuals,” said Chang.
The May 26 event marked the Saratoga Foothill Club’s 86th Memorial Day commemoration. The observance is sponsored annually by the Foothill Club to recognize those who died while serving their country in the armed forces. This year’s theme was “dedication, sacrifice and persistence.”
