Two South Coast Ceremonies Pay Tribute to Servicemembers on Memorial Day

Two ceremonies paid tribute to veterans on Memorial Day on Santa Barbara’s South Coast, one at the Santa Barbara Cemetery and another at the Goleta Cemetery. Both locations became the congregating ground for hundreds of citizens, veterans, and family members who gathered to pay tribute to the brave people who laid down their lives for the freedom and founding principles of the United States.

The event at the Santa Barbara Cemetery was infused with patriotism and accentuated by moving speeches and heart-stirring performances by the Santa Barbara Choral Society and the Primetime Band.

Organized by the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the ceremony stood out as a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the armed forces. Distinguished among the attendees were many veterans donned in uniforms.

Highlighting the event was a speech by U.S. Naval Reserve (Ret.) Captain J. Charles Plumb, who emphasized the necessity of spreading patriotism beyond the confines of the cemetery. “I would encourage all of you to get out, to spread the patriotism that we are feeling today, to the schools and the churches in Santa Barbara for our friends and neighbors, not because it is so important, but because it is vital,” Plumb stated.

Plumb is a former U.S. fighter pilot and Vietnam War prisoner of war who recounted his experiences of being shot down over Hanoi and surviving 2,103 days of captivity.

The ceremony also served as a reminder of the ongoing sacrifices made by current members of the military. Colonel Mark Shoemaker from Vandenberg Space Force Base underscored the valor and readiness of today’s soldiers to face threats both known and unknown, “heroes go above and beyond the call of duty placing the welfare of others before their own,” he stated.

A touching segment of the ceremony allowed for the recognition of all military branches. As the theme of each branch was played, attendees were invited to stand up in acknowledgment of their service or support. This moment served as a time of reflection and appreciation for the diverse contributions to national security.

The ceremony concluded with a vintage warplane flyover by the Condor Squadron and the mournful playing of taps.

At the Goleta Cemetery District, more locals gathered for an event sponsored by AMVETS Santa Barbara Post 3 and the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 218.

Carmen Munoz from the Veterans Memorial Building in Santa Barbara was the Master of Ceremonies while the Civil Air Patrol Squadron 131 performed the Presentation of Colors.

Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Chair Laura Capps and Goleta City Councilman James Kyriaco both spoke of the honor and duty form our servicemembers and the special sacrifices they make.

Donna Rathburn, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, spoke about her service and the history of her family’s service. She discussed being one of the few women who enlisted in 1979 and the importance of letting women serve.

Valerie Salcedo sang an moving rendition of “You Gave All” and the Armed Forces Medley was performed by bagpiper Bill Boetticher.

The event concluded with a rifle salute by the Civil Air Squadron 131 and Taps by Bob Burtness and Howard Hudson.