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Memorial Day celebrated on May 29, 2000, was special at the Presidio of San Francisco. Over 1500 people attended the function at the Veteran Administration Cemetery right in the middle of the Presidio of San Francisco. Top ranking military personnel, among them two Generals, Mayor Willie Brown, decorated retired military and civilians all graced the occasion. I was there and felt good that at last all of us were doing the right thing, paying our respects to those that died for the freedom of the United States and the world.
Earlier, the media had lambasted the City and County of San Francisco for donating a merger one thousand dollars towards Memorial Day, a function celebrated on behalf of the City and County of San Francisco at the Presidio. While the Chinese New Year got over $78,000, the Gay and Lesbian Parade got as much as $76,000, the Samoans got $7000 and so on, the Memorial Day Committee was given just one thousand dollars. Mayor Willie Brown, assured the public that the Memorial Day Funding would hence forward come under the auspices of the Mayor's Office. In future all Memorial Day functions would get sufficient funding. Thus this controversy was laid to rest and we hope that next year and hence forward we celebrate Memorial Day, focusing on those that have done so much for our country and the world. Honoring our Veterans with the highest respect. Memorial Day, is a special day to remember those Missing in Action (MIA). All our missing sons and daughters should come home to rest. This is a serious obligation all of us are responsible for. Way back in 1868 some women in the South found time to decorate the graves of those who fought on both sides of the war. Initially it was called Decoration Day, today it is called Memorial Day. This year all over the United States silence was maintained at 3 p.m. Eastern Time, a fitting tribute to those that have given us so much, our beloved Veterans. Hundreds of Boy Scouts and Veterans decorated the tomb stones before Memorial Day, placing U.S. Flags. Family members placed mementos and flowers. Even on the Day itself, many of us saw family members paying homage to their loved ones. Right in the middle of the Presidio of San Francisco at the V.A. Cemetery we have over 60 thousand graves and tomb stones. A fitting tribute to those that we all revere. Among them over 600 Buffalo Soldiers. A lone woman spy from the days of the Civil War. Hundreds of highly decorated soldiers from all walks of life. Memorial Day is one especial day we remember our Veterans. It would be fitting if we remember them every day and treat them with dignity. It is a pity that the U.S. Government has not been kind to our Veterans and denied many of them health care. It is right that we keep our promises made to the Veterans who gave so much of themselves, so that we all could be FREE. |
