As
we head into Memorial Day weekend, I wanted to take this time to remind
everyone that the freedoms we have in this country weren't free. They
were paid for with the lives of service men and women. We have had
services and/or have graves here at Fairhaven for those who died in wars
going all the way back to the Civil War. It's quite a legacy for the
community and the company.
Each
year the staff at Fairhaven puts on a huge Memorial Day event and, like
Easter, you'll find the staff out on the grounds doing things they
don't normally do in the course of their work. You'll find Jon Searfoss,
the Accounting Manager, handing out water and hot dogs along with the
rest of the Accounts Receivable staff. Jon's father was a veteran of the
Korean War. You'll find Vice President Leo O'Connor making sure that his parking staff directs cars correctly through the park and that everyone finds somewhere to put their car.
Out by the flower shop, the florist, Edel Cabrera, and what seems like a cast of thousands spend hours cooking hot dogs for the event and putting on an "after the event" luncheon as a thank you to the staff for their hard work. One of those hot dog cooks is A.V. Donovan, our Records Clerk, who is the widow of a Vietnam vet and whose son has served numerous tours in places like Afghanistan, Iraq and Bosnia. A.V. comes from a family with numerous war veterans. Liz Welch, the Human Resources Manager, will be dressed in red, white and blue, manning a golf cart, ferrying handicapped individuals, elderly persons and dignitaries. Liz's father was a veteran of WWII stationed in the Pacific theater.
Everyone on staff at Fairhaven does something on Memorial Day, from the grounds crew under the direction of Jay Rodriguez, who arrive not long after the sun rises to make sure the park is beautiful with no flower out of place, to our receptionists Yolanda Medina and Carol Sexton, who field call after call for locations of loved ones, to our hardworking Master of Ceremonies, Lou Carlson,
who has to speak to the crowd of thousands in front of the historic
mausoleum. It's an event we all take pride in regardless of what our job
might be that day. And it is an honor for us to help people find the
graves of their loved ones especially if they served our country.
Like Veteran's Day, Memorial Day reminds me of my father who so proudly served as a scout in the CIC (Counter Intelligence Corps) in New Guinea in WWII. He believed in honoring those who fought for our country while they are alive as well as in death and he was a member of the American Legion for many years. What we do here would have reminded him of the sacrifices of the men and women of the armed forces of this country and their families. As it reminds us all.
National WWI Monument
National WWII Monument
National Korean War Monument
National Vietnam War Monument
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington Cemetery, Virginia
The Tom Wall USMC Columbarium, North Gardens, Fairhaven Memorial Park
Many thanks to the men and women of today's armed forces, their families and all those who served before them. Their sacrifice is not forgotten nor unappreciated.
Please do join us on Monday, May 28 at 10:30 am for Fairhaven Memorial Park's 20th Annual Memorial Day Service. We have Military Guest Speakers, the Blue Eagles Honor Guard, an Aerial Fly Over, the Orange County Concert Band, the National Anthem Performed by our “Star-Spangled Singer” contest winner Jennifer Malman, the “Sound of Liberty” by Catherine Johnston, Tim Ringgold and The Traditions Singers and “America’s Wars” Life Sized Photo Essays, Antique Cars Display and more…Don't forget to enjoy a complimentary hot dog and refreshments during the program!
Happy Memorial Day from all of us at the Fairhaven Family Group - Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary in Santa Ana, Fairhaven Memorial Services in Mission Viejo, Family Mortuary in Santa Ana and Infinity Cremation Society in Tustin.
Charity Gallardo, Blog Coordinator – Charity has been the Network Administrator for the Fairhaven Family Group for 13 years. When she’s not assisting staff with their computer issues, she is a published author of romance novels, an award winning cover artist and a blogger.