Memorial Day ceremony in South Lake Tahoe draws big crowd

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The true meaning of Memorial Day was on display in South Lake Tahoe Monday, showing it is much more than a kickoff to summer, a day for barbeques or a long weekend.

The Stella Van Dyke Johnson American Legion Post 795 of South Lake Tahoe hosted a ceremony at Happy Homestead Cemetery, with songs performed by Davin Kangas and Jill Scharlow, and Amazing Grace by bagpiper Maria Delallo.

Post Commander Tom Millham started the ceremony with a meaning behind each letter of the word "memorial": M is for the mothers, E is for the everlasting gift of freedom, M is for the many flags and flowers on display, O is for all of our veterans, R is for the real price of freedom, I is for our independence, A is for America, and L is for the love of this land.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Jim Drennan spoke, as did Battalion Chief Karl Koeppen. Koeppen, who served in the Marines, thanked the American Legion for never forgetting to honor veterans and keeping their memory alive.

"Our heroes are the women and men who served this country," said Drennan.

Memorial Day is a time to pay tribute to those who gave all, even if we don't know them all, we owe them all.

South Lake Tahoe local Leona Allen, standing in for El Dorado County Supervisor Brooke Laine who was at a ceremony in Placerville, honored the memory of those who died. She also said war should never be the answer and asked for all to find peaceful solutions.

Volunteers placed 730 flags on the graves of veterans buried at Happy Homestead Cemetery.

Memorial Day is a day to honor and pay tribute to all who have lost their lives in service to protect the freedom of Americans. Americans began to recognize Memorial Day in 1868, and the country established it as a federal holiday in 1971.

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices." — Harry S. Truman, 33rd U.S. President, 1945.

Approximately 1.5 million American troops have died in battle since the beginning of the country. Fifty thousand American prisoners of war (POW) and missing in action (MIA) remain in those categories, with most from World War II - 41,000. During Mondays's ceremony, the annual POW/MIA, or Missing Man, ceremony was held.

The tradition of setting a separate table in honor of our prisoners of war and missing comrades was honored during the ceremony, something that was started at the end of the Vietnam War.

The POW/MIA table was set as thousands of others are set across the country during military events. Every part of the table setting is significant:

The POW/MIA table is smaller than the others, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his or her oppressors. This table is separate from the others and can be set for one to four place settings to represent each service participating in the event.

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 on the bread plate represents 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 of the evening.