Memorial Day ceremony honors veterans’ legacy of sacrifice

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On the morning of May 25, a Memorial Day ceremony was held in front of the Hollister Veterans Memorial Building. 

Ryan Grimes, commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9242, said the gathering is an important opportunity to honor those who have sacrificed for the nation and reflect on those military members we have lost. 

“We want to teach people what Memorial Day is,” he said. “We are able to remind those who may have forgotten or teach those who didn’t know. We have a strong community presence that supports those who are no longer with us. And we want to encourage that feeling of connection with the community through that.” 

Senior Vice Commander Josh Jimenez served at Naval Air Station North Island from 2001 to 2009. He said he thought people needed to better understand the sacrifices made by service members, including those who served and those who died in combat.

John Reed, Chaplain of American Legion Post 69, said he has had many family members in the military, including his grandfathers Edward Reed Sr., who served in the Army Air Corps in 1918, and Calvin Clark Torrance, who served in the U.S. Navy during World War ll.  

“I was amazed to see the crowd out here,” Reed said. “And some of the people have their heads bowed and you could see they’re very moved to the point of crying out there. I think they’re thinking about their family members or friends who might have passed.” 

Grimes said this was his first time leading the Memorial Day ceremony, and he was pleased with the response from those who came to pay their respects.

“The importance of this is so we don’t forget the people who have paid the ultimate price, in making sure that we can live in peace, harmony, and freedom,” he said.

Ryan Grimes speaks at the Memorial Day Ceremony.

Photo by Adam Bell.

VFW members marching during the Memorial Day Ceremony.

Photo by Adam Bell.

Ryan Grimes holds a flag during the Memorial Day ceremony.

Photo by Adam Bell.

Josh Jimenez reads a note.

Photo by Adam Bell.

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