Remembering veterans

Coral Wilson

Memorial Day is not just about sleeping in, barbecues and yard sales.

“It is a day of reverence, reflection, prayer and patriotism,”

Costa Mesa Councilman Allan Mansoor said Monday at the 49th annual

Memorial Day Services at Harbor Lawn Memorial Park and Mt. Olive

Cemetery.

Hundreds gathered on the vast lawn near veteran’s graves, which

were decorated with flags and flowers, to remember those who fought

for their country.

A special program of entertainment, commemoration and dedication

honored those veterans, said Harold Hohl, commander of the Veterans

of Foreign Wars post 3536.

“It is to honor those who have given so much so we can live in

freedom today,” he said.

The Orange Empire Chorus sang a mix of patriotic songs. A tree was

planted as a living memorial for Costa Mesa Marine Cpl. Jose Angel

Garibay who died in Iraq on March 23. Hohl unveiled a large statue of

an eagle and his plan to create a six-sided memorial to honor each

branch of the military service.

Floral wreaths were brought forward to honor various organizations

and represent each war. As the wreaths piled up, 30 in all, the Coast

Guard, Air Force, Marines, World War II, Vietnam and Desert Storm

were represented. In the last two years, more tributes have been

added to the list for Operation Iraqi Freedom, Peace Keepers and

Terrorist Fighters.

“With all battles the cost of victory is high,” said Costa Mesa

Fire Chief James Ellis, a guest speaker for the event.

Operation Iraqi Freedom had claimed the lives of 139 combatants,

and with the death of Garibay the loss of life struck home, he said.

The tree planted in his honor would serve as a reminder for

generations to come.

“They may not know the name, but they will know it represents a

hero, brought up right here in Costa Mesa,” he said.

During the dedication, Cuauhtlicoyotl Alexander Madrigal, a friend

of the Garibay family, played the flute and lighted a blend of myrrh,

sage and essence in a sacred Mexican Indian ceremony.

As a former Marine, Madrigal said that presenting such honorary

ceremonies is his way of continuing to serve.

“For a Marine, it’s never over,” he said. “Once a Marine, always a

Marine. So here we are.”

Simona Garibay, Jose’s mother, had tears in her eyes.

“This day, in and of itself, reminds me of the first day I was

informed of my son’s death,” she said through a translator. “It just

makes me relive the moment.”

With the world’s rapidly changing times, Ellis said it has become

his personal quest to keep past veterans in the people’s minds,

giving Garibay a hug.

“Before we know it, our veterans will go on to heaven so we should

cherish every moment,” he said. “The biggest thing is just to say

thank you.”

Many strangers lined up by Garibay to give their regards and pay

their respects.

Kathleen Hanold of Costa Mesa said her childhood friend recently

published a book about his Vietnam experience. Reading the book

combined with Garibay’s death gave her a new appreciation for those

who fight for their country.

“What these people have been through, I don’t think we will ever

understand,” she said.

Marc Sarbarneck of Costa Mesa said he comes to the service every

Memorial Day.

“There is a feeling of patriotism when you leave here,” he said.

Sarbarneck said he planned to attend several barbecues to see his

friends but he would offer a toast to veterans and people in the

service.

“It’s the American thing to do,” he said. “As long as you remember

it is really about something more than a barbecue.”

* CORAL WILSON is the news assistant and may be reached at (949)

574-4298 or by e-mail at [email protected].