Behind the Badge
Officers from the Fullerton Police Department provided escort support, raised the colors and presented the gun salute Monday at the 77th Annual Fullerton Memorial Day Observance.
FPD Motor Officer Kyle Baas also played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.
The “Greatest Generation” and the U.S. Marines were the focus of a special salute at the free event at Loma Vista Memorial Park.
The observance — the oldest continuous Memorial Day ceremony in Orange County — was sponsored by the nonprofit American Veterans Memorial Association and the City of Fullerton.
The special guest speaker was Lt. Gen. David H. Berger, commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton.
Lt. Gen. David H. Berger, commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton and special guest speaker, arrives under a Navy JROTC honor guard at the start of the 77th Annual Memorial Day Observance at Loma Vista Memorial Park in Fullerton.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Air Combat USA provided the Missing Man Formation Flyover prior to the arrival of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department helicopter. The speaker was escorted to the podium by JROTC cadets from Troy High School Navy JROTC.
Fullerton’s Memorial Day observance began in 1939 when C. Stanley Chapman, son of the city’s first mayor, began the tradition of placing a small white cross and an American flag at the grave of each veteran at Loma Vista.
This year, community volunteers placed a cross and flag on more than 4,000 veterans’ graves throughout the cemetery.
Ed Paul, adjutant of Fullerton American Legion Post 142 and coordinator of the American Veterans Memorial Association, served as master of ceremonies.
Patriotic music was sung by Dave Deno, creative director for radio stations KKLA, KRLA and KFSH, and Kristen Romero.
Cpl. Scott Moore, left, Sgt. Tony Bogart and Sgt. Dan Castillo of the Fullerton Police Officer Color Guard enter the grounds during the Presentation of Colors.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
In addition to the FPD, participants in the observance included the Fullerton Firefighters’ Association, the U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II, Fullerton American Legion Post 142 and the Post’s Commanders Club, 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fullerton Emblem Club 469, Fullerton Rotary, Fullerton Saturday A.M.Y’s Men’s Club, and the Daughters of the American Revolution – Mojave Chapter.
Also assisting with the ceremony was the Buena Park Emblem Club 340, Fullerton Elks Lodge 1993, GFWC Ebell Clubs of Fullerton and Placentia, Placentia American Legion Auxiliary Unit 277, Women’s Club of Fullerton, Fullerton Knights of Columbus Council 4018, Boy Scout Troop 97, Cub Scout Pack 1218, and Greenleaf Gardens Masonic Lodge 670.
Lt. Alex Bastreri of the Fullerton Police Officer Color Guard salutes during the Presentation of Service Flags at the 77th Annual Memorial Day Observance at Loma Vista Memorial Park in Fullerton.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Sgt. Tony Bogart (left) and Cpl. Scott Moore raise the flag during the Presentation of Colors.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Sgt. Dan Castillo, left, Sgt. Tony Bogart and Cpl. Scott Moore of the Fullerton Police Officer Color Guard carry the flag during the Presentation of Colors at the 77th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Loma Vista Memorial Park in Fullerton.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Members of the Troy High School Navy JROTC line up for the Presentation of Service Flags.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
An Orange County Sheriff’s helicopter lands at Loma Vista Memorial Park in Fullerton carrying the honored guest to the 77th Annual Memorial Day Observance.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
WWII Paratrooper Manny Barrios, 101st Airborne (Screaming Eagles), waves moments before receiving a standing ovation from the crowd when his name was called during the Memorial Day ceremony at Loma Vista Memorial Park in Fullerton. Barrios parachuted behind enemy lines for the Normandy invasion (D-Day) during the war in Europe.
Next to him, left, is Buck Catlin who is a Navy veteran and former mayor of Fullerton.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
A wreath for “The Greatest Generation” (WWII veterans) is laid during the 77th Annual Memorial Day Observance at Loma Vista Memorial Park in Fullerton.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Firing off a Twenty One Gun Salute at the 77th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony are Fullerton Police Honor Guard members Officer Richie Herrera, left, Officer Miguel “Sonny” Siliceo, Cpl. Mike Moon, Cpl. Billy Phu, Sgt. Dan Castillo, Cpl. Scott Moore and Sgt. Tony Bogart.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
In formation for the Twenty One Gun Salute during the 77th Annual Memorial Day Observance are Fullerton Police Honor Guard members Officer Richie Herrera, left, Officer Miguel “Sonny” Siliceo, Cpl. Mike Moon, Cpl. Billy Phu, Sgt. Dan Castillo, Cpl. Scott Moore and Sgt. Tony Bogart.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Special guest speaker Lt. Gen. David H. Berger, fifth from left, stands with members of the Fullerton Fire Department in front of vintage Fullerton Fire Engine Co. 5 at the conclusion of the 77th Annual Memorial Day Observance at Loma Vista Memorial Park. Sixth from left is Fullerton Fire Chief Wolfgang Knabe.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
