Crowd turns out for South Lake Tahoe Memorial Day Ceremony

"I'm so proud of our community and this great turnout," said South Lake Tahoe City Councilman Tom Davis during Monday's annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Happy Homestead Cemetery.

A larger crowd than normal watched the ceremony which featured boys and girl scouts, music and speakers that included Gold Star Mom Patty Smith. Her son, Sgt. Timothy Michael Smith, was one of three South Lake Tahoe men to die in action since the September 11 attacks in 2001. Smith, 25, who died April 7, 2008, after his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device in Baghdad.

Davis's dad was a Marine who died when Tom was 3-years-old and he had just recently found where his dad was buried.

"Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice so we can be free," Davis said of those who died for the United States.

Commander Matt Panks led the ceremony was flanked by Chaplain Curt Emrie and Bob St. Angelo of American Legion Post 795.

Adjacent to the podium was a table set in honor on those who did not return home from serving and they remain missing in action (MIA) or were a prisoner of war (POW). Over 98,000 Americans are still missing from World War II, 7,791 from the Korean War and 1,169 from Vietnam. Recovery programs continue. Today, the significance of the table was given to those gathered:

The white tablecloth draped over the table represents the purity of their response to our country’s call to arms. The empty chair depicts an unknown face, representing no specific Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine, but all who are not here with us. The table itself is round to show that our concern for them is never ending. The Bible represents faith in a higher power and the pledge to our country, founded as one nation under God. The black napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in the hearts of their families and friends. A Purple Heart medal can be pinned to the napkin. The single red rose reminds us of their families and loved ones. The red ribbon represents the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the nation’s call. The yellow candle and its yellow ribbon symbolize the everlasting hope for a joyous reunion with those yet accounted for. The slices of lemon on the bread plate remind us of their bitter fate. The salt upon the bread plate represent the tears of their families. The wine glass, turned upside down, reminds us that our distinguished comrades cannot be with us to drink a toast or join in the festivities.

Over 3,600 people have been buried at Happy Homestead since it opened 66 years ago, and 564 of those were veterans. The American Legion Women's Auxiliary placed flags on each of those graves prior to Monday's ceremony.

A moving moment happened right after the ceremony when the Loge family of South Lake Tahoe thanked men for their service. One of those recipients was Harry Montgomery who was visiting from Denver, Colorado. As Aimy Loge gave him a hug, the Vietnam veteran was visibly shaken by the family's kindness.

In the picture above, from left to right first row: Marilyn Paxton, Taylor Whisnant, Aimy Loge and Lulu Schereen of Girl Scout Troop 31. Back frow, left to right: Bill Malloy, Army veteran, Sheila Starcevich of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Jordan Deas, South Tahoe High senior who is a member of the Civil Air Patrol, and Dana Englekirk of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Both Starcevich and Englekirk are stationed in Lake Tahoe.

The two other local men to die in action since 2001 are Pfc. Phillip Brandon Williams, 21, who was killed on October 9, 2006, by a sniper's bullet in Iraq and Spc. Garrett Fant, 21, died September 26, 2011, after his unit was attacked with an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. Williams, Fant and Smith are memorialized by Gold Star Peak.