Tuolumne City Remembers

It is a day to remember. A parade and ceremonies in Tuolumne City today honored war veterans and those who gave their life to defend our country. Today is the traditional observance of Memorial Day.

“Fritz,” a local Vietnam war veteran, said this is not a holiday for partying. “Too many people nowadays have just turned it into another three-day weekend at the end of May. It´s not a day for fun and games, it´s a day to remember.”

Color guards, a school band, veteran groups and fire trucks made up the annual parade that marched from the Veteran´s Memorial Hall to the Carter´s Cemetary.

“Memorial Day is the only day on the calendar that´s not a day of celebration. It´s a day of remembrance and memorials to those who have fought and died for us,” Fritz said. He carried a flag for the Tuolumne chapter of the Vietnam Veterans organization that was participating in Friday´s parade.

A few brief speeches, prayers, a moment of silence and a 21-gun salute highlighted the morning of remembering.