The Veterans’ Memorial Building in downtown Hollister hosted its annual Memorial Day ceremony honoring military men and women who served their country — and in some cases paid the ultimate price. Veterans and local dignitaries took turns at the microphone to offer their thoughts on the meaning of the day and to thank military personnel, past and present, for their service.
Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9242 each year commorates the national holiday with a ceremony and lunch to which the entire community is invited. The event takes place at the memorial building on San Benito Street, which features plaques in tribute of the San Benito County residents who lost their lives in battle.
Among the speakers was Hollister Police Chief David Westrick, who said that Memorial Day is more than just about remembering the heroes who lost their lives.
“It should also be about those of us that have felt the paid of loss and have kept on living and prospering so that our happiness, our living, can be a tribute to those that have died to guarantee that our way of life will continue for generations,” he said, adding later, “God bless those that we’ve lost to guarantee the liberty tree continues to grow.”
Flags were placed along San Benito Street throughout downtown to honor the solemnity of the day and those that were flying were doing so at half mast.
We encourage you to share your memories of a loved one who has served or is serving in the military in our comments section.