The Bardsdale Cemetery Memorial Day 2013 was celebrated by the community of Fillmore on another one of those beautiful days so often enjoyed in the Santa Clara Valley! This Memorial Day was the 148th celebration by Americans since 1865, originally Decorations Day, to honor those Americans that have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.

The Memorial Day Ceremony began at 11:00 AM with opening remarks by Trustee Dick Diaz of the Bardsdale Cemetery Memorial District. Other Trustees present were Lynda Edmonds, Secretary, Rita Rudkin and Gabe Asenas, Trustees. President of the Board, Scott Lee was unable to attend.

The American Flag was then raised and lowered to half staff by Fillmore Post 9637 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Fillmore Boy Scout Troop 406 and Cub Scout Troop 3400 who then led the approximate 125 people in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. Members of the Bardsdale Church Choir, Pat Morris, Bob Morris, Carolyn Diaz, Barbara Peterson, Lin Thomas, Bill Brunet, Ralph Duchacek and Choir Director Marsha Porter, sang two beautiful songs; America the Beautiful and Eternal Father, Strong to Save. The songs were sang, a capella, and those gathered were encouraged to participate.

The Memorial Day Message was presented by the Guest Speaker, Fillmore Resident and active duty United States Army Sergeant Carlos Martinez. Sergeant Martinez is a native of Ventura County, born in Oxnard, raised in Ventura and has lived in Fillmore since 2007. Sergeant Martinez has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from California State University, Channel Islands in Liberal Studies with a minor in History. He is married to Paige Lenee, originally of Santa Paula and they have three children, Noah, Kylene and Kirah. He is also a member of the Fillmore VFW Post 9637. Sergeant Martinez has been deployed three times; 2007-2008 Baghdad, Iraq, 2008-2009 Kirkuk, Iraq and 2011-2012 Nangahar Province, Afghanistan. Sergeant Martinez reminded us that we should remember those who not only have made the “ultimate sacrifice,” but to remember those who have served, or are now serving.

The placing of the wreath was presented by VFW Post 9637 Members Bill Brunet and Vic Westerberg. The Memorial Day Service was presented by the Reverend Bob Hammond of the St. Stephens Anglican Church. Reverend Hammond, also a Veteran, inspired those in attendance with his Memorial Service and personal reflections of what Memorial Day means to him.

The “Reading of the Names of Those Who Have Died in the Service of Country” from the Fillmore-Piru area up to and including the Vietnam War was read by VFW Post 9637 Member Albert Rosette and hand bell tone was announced after the reading of each name by Rita Rudkin. The VFW Post 9637 Gun Volley followed. Taps, as he has for many years at both the Piru and Fillmore Memorial Day Services, was performed by local resident Bob Thompson. At the conclusion of the Ceremony the Release of Doves was conducted by Garcia Mortuary.

The Bardsdale Cemetery Board of Trustees would like to thank the Fillmore Post 9637, Commander Jim Rogers, Members Colin Cranny, Tom Ivey, Al Rosette, Bill Brunet, Vic Westerberg, Jim Mills, John Pressey, Ismael Alonzo, Richard Tansey and Peter Aguirre for their many years of participation in both the Piru and Bardsdale Memorial Day Ceremonies, Bardsdale Church Choir, Fillmore Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 3400 and Bardsdale 4H for the placing and removing of the American Flags, Fillmore Chapter GY PEO for the home baked cookies. Bardsdale Manager Doug Basolo and his staff for the beautiful setting and maintaining of the Bardsdale Cemetery.