The City of El Centro celebrates Memorial Day
Karina Bazarte
El CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Dozens gathered in Imperial County Monday morning to celebrate and remember the legacy of our fallen heroes.
Every year, we attend a Memorial Day celebration, we listen and acknowledge the legacy our fallen heroes left behind.
“This day is not about the beginning of summer or of a long weekend. Memorial Day is a solemn tribute, a national act of remembrance for those who gave everything in service to this country,” said VFW Commander Lee Quarcelino.
The Memorial Day Celebration took place at Bucklin Park in El Centro at 10:00 a.m.
Many locals, city leaders and VFW Post 9305 got together to remember their loved ones who are no longer with us.
“We honor them not just in words, but interactions and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that our sacrifices of our fallen heroes are never forgotten because their courage inspires us to continue the work they began,” Commander Quarcelino expressed.
El Centro Mayor Sonia Carter says this is not just a day on the calendar, but a day to remember love ones and those who are not longer with us.
“It’s an honor…I just…the sacrifice of the men and the women…just the families that have to go through the remembrance because grieving never stops and this is hard for other families….so my heart goes out to the families and I just want to thank our wonderful staff for putting on this celebration. I call it a celebration because we are honoring people.”
Sonia Carter, Mayor of El Centro
A Veteran says Memorial Day is special to him. He says he remembers his friends and family that served with him every single day.
“I remember them, you know, the fact that they’re not here, you know, let’s continue a legacy that they that they could have carried on, and hopefully…we make them proud…you know my father, he passed away five years ago. He didn’t serve, but I don’t hesitate. I know he’s standing right next to me right now. You know, some people are saying, ‘You’re crazy.’ That’s what I believe,” the Veteran shared.
The City of El Centro says it will continue to celebrate Memorial Day every single year.