Page 14 - Aerotech News and Review 6-3-13

Annual candlelight ceremony honors veterans
“What would you do if somebody put
by Linda KC Reynolds their life in jeopardy to protect you?
staff writer I’m here to say thank you.”

A small but dedicated crowd gath- The son of a career Marine, Ledford
ered in the Veterans Court of Honor has a special place in his heart for the
at the Lancaster Cemetery during the military, especially the Marines. He
20th Annual Memorial Eve Candle- came to the Antelope Valley as a teen-
light Ceremony to pay respect to ager and has attended memorial ser-
those who gave their lives defending vices throughout the Antelope Valley
freedom. ever since.

The event is presented by the Ante- “It is very important to pass on our
lope Valley Detachment #930 Marine traditions to the next generation and
Corps League. to never forget the price of freedom.”

“Where would we be if we didn’t Assemblyman Tom Lackey who
have people protecting us every day?” represents more than 500 thousand
asked Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford. people said that when somebody gives

Photograph by Tom Reynolds

Pastor Henry Hearns leads a small but dedicated crowd in prayer during the Marine Corps League 20th Annual
Memorial Eve Candlelight Ceremony at Lancaster Cemetery.

you a gift, you say thank you. 15:13, Romo reminded guests that “Because of the sacrifices made, we

“The sacrifices of the American laying down one’s own life to save in America and other parts of the world

military over the years are what pro- another is the greatest sacrifice of all. live in freedom. We have the freedom

vides Americans liberty. I pray we are “People that we don’t know, or never to gather, to worship, to be idiots and

all mindful of the sacred sacrifice that knew us, laid down their lives to pro- to argue if we want — we have that

so many Americans have made and tect the freedoms we have today — for privilege,” said Hearns.

continue to make.” that, we must always remain thankful.” Chaplain Larry Pratt of the Quartz

Keynote speaker Alex Romo, senior He also reminded people to not live a Hill VFW 3000 served in Vietnam

Photograph by Linda KC Reynolds pastor at The Edge Foursquare Church mundane life, to live it to the fullest and said that more than 1 million men
in Lancaster, encouraged guests to al- and to serve others. and women died serving in the U.S.
Antelope Valley Young Marines Marilyn and Megan Tran participate in the ways remain thankful — in all circum- military since the nation’s birth. Los-
Marine Corps League 20th Annual Memorial Eve Candlelight Ceremony at stances. On behalf of the City of Lancaster, ing three close friends in combat, he
Lancaster Cemetery where guests gathered in the Veterans Court of Honor. Pastor Henry Hearns presented Chris said their loss has left an indelible
Members of the AV Young Marines posted the Colors under the command of “Being thankful brings value to life, Chandler, commandant of Antelope mark. “You never forget what you see
C.O. Danny Chinchilla. it brings joy and a quality to life, even Valley Detachment #930, a certificate

in the darkest hours.” Quoting John of appreciation. in war.”

Pentagon embraces survivors at TAPS event

by Jim Garamone
DOD News

The military is a family, and not even death
can end those familial bonds.

This truism was demonstrated again May 28
as Defense Secretary Ash Carter threw open the
doors of the Pentagon to more than 350 mem-
bers of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Sur-
vivors, commonly known as TAPS.

These are the families who have all received
the news no one ever wants to hear — that their
loved one has died.

Carter, his wife Stephanie and TAPS founder
Bonnie Carroll welcomed all participants to the
Pentagon with military coins and hugs. “We
think of you — our family here in the Depart-
ment of Defense – think of you as forever a part
of our family,” Carter said. “Know that we love
you. Your country loves you. We will never for-
get why you’re here. We can never make that up
to you, but we can always remember. We can
always treasure you. Welcome home.”

Carroll was motivated to form the organiza-
tion when her husband, Army Brig. Gen. Tom
Carroll and seven others, were killed in the

See PENTAGON, Page 15

DOD photograph by Air Force SMSgt. Adrian Cadiz

Defense Secretary Ash Carter greets a young
guest as he and his wife, Stephanie, welcome
members of the Tragedy Assistance Program
for Survivors, or TAPS, to the Pentagon, May
27, 2016, for a night of fun and remembrance to
coincide with Memorial Day weekend.

14 Aerotech News and Review June 3, 2016

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