RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - Three Memorial Day weekend events in Rancho Murieta honored fallen soldiers, helped veterans in need and honored the American Flag.

The Rancho Murieta Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars sponsored two events: a Buddy Poppy distribution at the Bel Air shopping center on May 24 and a Memorial Day ceremony at the Gazebo on the afternoon of May 26. 

Scout Troop 633 also held a flag retirement ceremony at Lake Calero on Memorial Day.

Poppy Distribution 

Intended to support disabled and needy veterans, the National Veterans of Foreign Wars has operated its Buddy Poppy program since 1922. VFW member Jennifer Lawson, who organized the local distribution outside Tractor Supply and Bel Air Market on May 24, said the response was amazing. 

“The community graciously accepted over 500 poppies to increase awareness and remember those veterans who gave their lives for freedom,” Lawson said.

In return, recipients of the paper flowers donated more than $1,400 to support veterans in crisis.

“We are humbled and so grateful for the support of our amazing community,” Lawson said.

Lawson also organized the formal Memorial Day service at the Gazebo two days later, which drew strong community support. To her surprise, approximately 80 people attended the afternoon event, held under perfect weather conditions.

Post Commander Ted Ryon emceed the brief but poignant ceremony. Lawson began by reading a prayer. Assistant Post Leader Bill McCarver led attendees in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a beautiful rendition of the “National Anthem” sung by post member Jennifer Roland Dutton.

Ryon then asked members of the audience who had served in combat to raise their hands—and they did. “You guys are my heroes,” he told them.

Ryon also recognized five members of the post who are Purple Heart recipients: Don Craig, Bill Payne, Bill Cannon, Rick Davis and Jose Meris.

Ryon also reported that four members of the post had died in the past year: Walter Dunajski, Brigadier Gen. Jerome Hoberg, Lt. Col. Dan Klaff and Ronald Squires.

Ryon invited audience members to share remembrances of soldiers who had died in service to their country. Trey Wilkins, who identified himself as a U.S. Ranger from California, recalled five comrades who lost their lives in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq between 2008 and 2011.

Another audience member, Karen Hoberg, thanked the VFW Post members for their support following the death of her father, Jerome Hoberg. 

“He loved being part of your wonderful organization,” she said.

Ryon announced the playing of “Taps” by a musician positioned among the distant trees. The trumpet player was Tai Wieler, a UC Davis music student.

Before offering the closing prayer, Ryon addressed all the veterans who have died in foreign wars. 

“There aren’t enough stars in the sky to express my eternal gratitude for the sacrifice you made for our country,” he said. “To all of you, I say thank you and bless you.”

Lawson delivered the closing prayer. 

“May our leaders be guided by your wisdom and love as we strive to build a society that honors the memory of our fallen heroes and promotes justice and peace for all,” she said.

Ryon then invited the crowd to enjoy a generous spread of snacks and beverages provided by the VFW Post Auxiliary.

Among the attendees were three Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District firefighters who were recently transferred from Station 59 in Rancho Murieta to Station 58 in Sloughhouse. They said they had requested permission to attend the ceremony because they still consider themselves part of the Rancho Murieta community.

This year marked the 19th time that Scout Troop 633 conducted its flag retirement ceremony, in which Scouts and leaders respectfully burn worn and tattered American flags, one by one.

About 20 parents and community members attended the ceremony, which began at 6 p.m. in Memorial Grove at Lake Calero. The program featured readings about the American flag’s significance and history, accompanied by patriotic bagpipe music performed by retired Navy Captain Chuck Jamison.

After most of the audience left, the nine Scouts, Scoutmaster Jason Dobson and Assistant Scoutmaster Marji Salo continued burning approximately 200 worn and tattered flags. Salo said they finished around 9 p.m., pausing for about 20 minutes to rehydrate and enjoy watermelon and hot dogs.