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The cloudy sky was a fitting backdrop to Inglewood’s 76 th Annual Memorial Day Service.
People gathered under the large white tent, on the South Mall of Inglewood City Hall to
reflect and honor military veterans. A memorial plaque next to the tent bears the names
of 148 veterans who served in World War II and the Korean War.
U.S. Marine Veteran Alejandro Salinas emceed the service which paid tribute to all
soldiers who have fought in the American armed forces. Sharing his early experience,
Salinas spoke about his father who fought in the Mexican War. “It lit a fire in me,” he
said.
Women of the Jackie Robinson Unit 252 Color Guard marched proudly—some holding
flags that represented the United States, California and the American Legion.
One by one, veterans gave their remarks before an appreciative crowd, including Raul
Aguilar, a 3-year Army veteran with 2 purple hearts, who fought in the Viet Nam War;
and Bob Brown who served in the Air Force during the Cold War Era. Some spoke in
honor of their deceased loved ones.
After a touching rendition of “Star Spangled Barner” by Grammy-winning vocalist
Roselie Elena, Inglewood Mayor James Butts, Jr. stepped up to the mic. “Let us
celebrate the heroes who fought for us, those that paid the ultimate sacrifice for the
freedoms we enjoy today,” Butts said.
U.S. Representative Maxine Waters (D-Inglewood) described veterans as “some of the
greatest Americans that ever lived” after informing the crowd about what is happening in
our nation’s capital with regard to veterans. “Trump has ended the program to help
veterans save their homes from foreclosure. He is ending jobs for 80,000 veterans.
She ended her remarks by shouting repeatedly “I’m in this fight!” as people cheered and
stood to their feet. I’m not walking away from this, no matter what this administration
does,” she said.
California Senator Laura Richardson challenged the audience to stop referring to
veterans as “fallen.” She went on to describe what happened in Normandy when U.S.
troops arrived at ….. Beach. They had to reach a steep hill to safety. There were
bullets flying all around them. “They didn’t fall. They fought because they knew there
were others coming behind them.”
“The least we can do is to welcome them home and make sure they have a home,”
Richardson continued. “There should never be a veteran who is homeless in this
country.” She is working on a bill to exempt veterans from paying state taxes.
All members of the Inglewood City Council attended.
Councilwoman Dionne Faulk said, “It’s very volatile—what’s happening now with our
country. But there are forces which have stood the test of time—our military. I am here
to honor three men in my family—my stepfather. He was a Buffalo soldier. My husband
Shannon Faulk and his father James Faulk.
Councilwoman Gray said, “This is a very special day. This is an opportunity for a call to
action. Senator Laura Richardson, spoke about the courage of our military. I can’t
imagine being in a war, but we are in a war right now.”
