On Memorial Day morning, about 75 people gathered at Joshua Tree Memorial Park to honor those who lost their lives in military service. Among them was Gilbert Ibarra, a former Marine dressed in a gray T-shirt adorned with a large eagle. He came to remember his friends who died during the Vietnam War, specifically during the Mayaguez incident in 1975, when two of his fellow Marines were left behind on an island near Cambodia.
“They were just 19,” Ibarra reflected, his eyes shielded by dark sunglasses. “I’m here to remember my buddies. That’s the part I hold in my heart.”
The ceremony lasted an hour and included local residents like Debbie and Ron Waggoner, who felt it was important to pause and remember those who sacrificed for their freedom. Debbie shared, “We’ve had a busy weekend, but we thought today should be set aside for this.”
The event featured a variety of tributes, including bagpipe music, speeches, and a color guard. Russell Martin, a Navy chaplain, emphasized the significance of the day, describing it as a sacred moment to reflect on the cost of war and the value of freedom.
Many attendees had served in the military themselves. Bob Hoyt, a Navy veteran, distributed patriotic refrigerator magnets he made. He humorously called himself “Captain America,” expressing his growing love for the country as he ages.
In the front row sat Anne Lear, a veteran of Afghanistan, and her friend Debbie Johnson, who leads the local chapter of the American Legion. They both work to support veterans in need, from helping with home care to covering medical transport costs.
The service concluded with the release of a dozen white doves, symbolizing peace and remembrance. The birds flew together, circling the area as the American flag waved in the wind, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by so many.