South Lake Tahoe pauses, reflects, and pays tribute during Memorial Day ceremony

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A tribute to the men and women who have lost their lives while serving the United States in the military was held on Memorial Day in South Lake Tahoe.

Commander Tom Millham led the tribute, his first public duty since taking over the helm at the Stella Van Dyke Johnson American Legion Post 795 of South Lake Tahoe.

He welcomed the large group that attended the ceremony at Happy Homestead Cemetery, giving thanks not only to veterans and members of the American Legion, but also to law enforcement, firefighters, and paramedics, who put their lives on the line for the community.

"Always be thankful for the blessings of freedom," said Carol Olivas of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Also speaking during the ceremony were South Lake Tahoe Mayor Pro Tem Cristi Creegan, Bob St. Angelo and Curt Emrie of the American Legion, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Local Boys Scouts carried the colors and musician Davin Kanga, singer Jill Scharlow and bagpiper Maria DeLallo performed.

Gold Star Mom Patty Smith was at the ceremony with her family and friends. 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 on April 7, 2008, after his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device in Baghdad. Pfc. Phillip Brandon Williams, 21, 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.

El Dorado County Supervisor Sue Novasel read a proclamation from the Board:

WHEREAS, on this Memorial Day, we remember all who have died, all who are still missing and all who mourn. And on this day, especially, the citizens of El Dorado County remember our fallen sons and daughters who have given their lives defending freedom in all of our nation's conflicts.

WHEREAS, On this solemn day in which Americans unite in remembrance of our country's fallen, we also pray for our military personnel and their families, our veterans, and all who have lost loved ones. As a grateful Nation, we forever carry the selfless sacrifice of our fallen heroes in our hearts, and we share the task of caring for those they left behind.

WHEREAS, it is our charge to preserve liberty, to advance justice, and to sow the seeds of peace. With courage and devotion worthy of the heroes we remember today, let us rededicate ourselves to those unending tasks.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED, the Board of Supervisors of the County of El Dorado, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 30, 2022, as a day of hope for permanent peace, and let us recommit to upholding the enduring principles that our country lives for, and that our fellow citizens
have fought and died for. Above all, we can honor those we have lost by living up to the ideals they died defending.