Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46By YM/GySgt Martin Ragas Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office (LA) On the Sunday before Memorial Day, the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office Young Marine Color Guard participated in an observance of Memorial Day/Flag Day at Restlawn Cemetery in Avondale, LA, located in Jefferson Parish. A Young Marines Color Guard consisting of four flagmen and two riflemen assembled for presentation and a memorial ser- vice. All branches of the military were represented by their own color guard. It was great to watch the Marines as well as the other branches present as we stood shoulder to shoulder with them. The event was sponsored by the Marine Corps League, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and several other civic groups. Many veterans were on hand and you could see how ap- preciative they were to be recognized along with their fellow servicemen and women who are no longer with us. Refresh- ments were provided to the veterans and Young Marines as- sisting in serving them. Some of the veterans mistook us for Marines (what an honor). We left with an even greater appre- ciation of our veterans, our country and our flag. JPSO: Proudly Assisting on Memorial Day Weekend By YM/1st Sgt Evan Venezia Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office (LA) At the request of Mr. David Vicknair (representing American Legion Post 377), the Young Marines of JPSO spent a beauti- ful day paying homage to our brave veterans. The event took place on the Friday before Memorial Day, at the Garden of Memories Cemetery, which is the final resting place of many veterans. Our mission was to assist in putting American flags on the headstones of every veteran laid to rest there. Ten Young Marines and I set out to complete our task at 0900. By 1300, we had completed the mission by placing more than 300 flags on veterans’ headstones. Every time we participate in such an event, we gain a greater appreciation for the sacrifices these brave men and women made to keep us free. It was an honor to perform this small service for our veterans. Mr. Vicknair thanked us for our service and promised to call us again to assist him with other events in the future. Appreciation for Our Veterans, Our Country, Our Flag YM/Pvt Jordon Derby of Westover Young Marines participated in reflagging the Aga- wam, MA veterans cemetary for Memorial Day. While she was reflagging a reporter from a local newspaper took her picture saluting a veteran’s gravesite after placing a flag on it. This picture was published in a local newspaper and was noticed by Con- gressman Richard Neal, who represents 1st District Massachusetts. Congressman Neal sent her a personal letter thanking her for her participation in the Young Marines program and for her patriotism. -- Submitted by Edward Mitrook, Unit Commander, Westover Young Marines A Young Marine’s Patriotism is Recognized The Mountain View (CO) Young Marines honored our na- tion’s veterans on Memorial Day weekend. The first wave of support came on Saturday. Young Marines from Mountain View Young Marines and Buckley Field units helped place flags on the headstones of service men and women who are buried at Ft. Logan National Cemetery. By applying teamwork, they were able to place flags across a huge area of the cemetery. Continuing on to Memorial Day the follolwing Monday, the Young Marines helped out at the ceremo- ny at Ft. Logan in remembrance of fallen heroes. Working with the Civil Air Patrol, they set up the flags for the ceremony, escorted attendees to their seats, and helped clean up after the ceremony. The discipline these Young Marines showed through hours of heat was outstanding. But these Young Marines were not done yet. To conclude the weekend,they again arrived at the cemetery in the early hours to help take down the flags.They truly were the first to arrive, and the last to leave,helping to the end to get all the 100,000 flags secured. It was awesome to see so many of our Young Marines work- ing together on such an important day.--Submitted by Traci Waters, Adult Volunteer, Mountain View (CO) Young Marines Mountain View YMs: Honoring Veterans on Memorial Day 16 YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE