Thanks to those who helped with Memorial Day ceremony

Thanks to all who participated in or attended our Benicia Memorial Day ceremony on May 28, sponsored by the Benicia Historical Society. We estimate that between 400 and 500 people were present as we honored those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, as well as all veterans and those currently serving. This year we dedicated our ceremony to the late Harry Wassmann, who began the tradition more than 30 years ago.
The Benicia Military Cemetery is the oldest U.S. military cemetery on the West Coast, with graves dating to the 1840s. Many of the graves are marked “Unknown” as the names have been lost over time. They include a Medal of Honor recipient, John Foley, who is among the unknown. The cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
We are grateful to the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station, San Francisco and Travis Air Force Base for our fly-overs during the ceremony.
We were honored again to have Colonel Lawrence T. Brown, Garrison Commander, Presidio of Monterey, as our keynote speaker.  In attendance was Laura Prishmont Quimby, Military Cemetery Responsible Official. The Military Oath of Enlistment was recited by Command Sergeant Major Roberto O. Marshall, Presidio of Monterey. The color guard was provided by VFW Post 3928, American Legion Post 101, VFW Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion.
Music was provided by the Diablo Regional Concert Band, under the direction of Cora Martens. A 21 gun salute was performed by the Military History Preservation Society.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Emma Souza, Benicia Girl Scout Troop 20411.
Poetry was recited by Johanna Ely, Benicia poet laureate. The Master of Ceremonies was Navy Master Chief Larry J. Miller (Ret.), president of the Benicia Historical Society, who also provided a prayer.
Taps and Reprise were performed by Thomas Martinez and Steven Newcomer, Monterey High School JROTC.  “Amazing Grace” was performed on bagpipes by Lloyd Christiansen.
A wreath-laying ceremony was performed by Larry J. Miller, VFW Post 3928 Commander Victor Rae, American Legion Post 101 Commander Ed Heffernan, Ingeborg Junginger, Marie Hoffmann, Barbara Clement, Steve Gizzi, Lt. David Gizzi, Heather Graves and family with “Baxter”, German officers from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey and Benicia Boy Scouts.
Garrison flag-raising by Benicia veterans and Benicia Scouts, with assistance from the Presidio of Monterey.
Set-up and take-down assistance provided by Benicia Boy Scouts, Benicia Girl Scouts, Benicia Cub Scouts, Benicia High Key Club, members of Benicia Historical Society, and others, including Art Mayoff and Mike Arwine at the Clocktower. Audio system provided by Eric Lam and videography provided by Constance Beutel.
Flowers for the graves were donated by the Law Offices of Dana Dean, with placement assist from Gretchen Burgess and Benicia Scouts. Equipment transportation vehicle donated by Camellia Tea Room through Herc Rentals. Thanks to the city of Benicia for use of chairs, tables and lectern. A generator was donated by Herc Rentals.
Program printing through Digital Copy donated by Valero.  Refreshments donated by Valero, Law Offices of Gizzi Reep Foley and Benicia Historical Society, through Vallejo Great Donuts and First Street Cafe.  Parking and transportation assist provided by Denise McCoy, Isaac McCoy, Jessie Sangha and Pat Mahoney of AMPORTS  and SolTrans, including driver, Juanita, with coordination by Mandi Renshaw.  Publicity was provided by the Benicia Herald, Benicia Magazine, The Grapevine, Jack Wolf PR, SolTrans and KTVU Channel 2.
Thanks to former long-time cemetery greenskeeper Kathren Vanier, Col. Lawrence T. Brown, CSM Roberto O. Marshall, Laura Prishmont Quimby and soldiers from the Presidio of Monterey for maintenance and improvements at our historic, beautiful Benicia Military Cemetery. Thanks to members of the Benicia Society and others too numerous to mention for their help each year with the ceremony. Thanks also to the Benicia Fire Department and Benicia Police Department for providing first responders during the ceremony.
And special thanks to Benicia’s veterans for your service to our country.  At least one day each year we pause to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our way of life, as well as all veterans and those currently serving our nation.
Please consider becoming a member of the Benicia Historical Society so that we can continue to bring events such as this to our historic town. You can go to our website at: beniciahistoricalsociety.org to view a video of the ceremony and to access a membership application. Those who attended also received a membership application in the program. You can also find us on Facebook at “Benicia Historical Society.”

Wally Stephens,
Benicia Historical Society

Sharing is caring!