Story by Master Sgt. Salli Sablan
California National Guard Public Affairs

June 7, 2023

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A pair of Cal Guard F-15 C Eagle fighter jets from the Fresno-based 144th Fighter Wing whizzed over Memorial Day events across the state in late May turning heads towards the sky in thrill.

On the ground, senior leaders partnered with veteran service organizations and spoke to public audiences, while color guard teams performed military honors, and chaplains delivered remarks of gratitude and remembrance. Guardsmen throughout the state joined in to support the community and together honored military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.  

After the Civil War, this day became known as Decoration Day from the public practice of decorating graves with wreaths, flags and flowers. From 1868 through 1970, Decoration Day was observed on May 30th but after World War II, Congress standardized the holiday as “Memorial Day” and changed the date to be observed on the last Monday in May.  

This past Memorial Day, the Cal Guard could be found all over the state in support of the patriotic holiday. 

HOLLYWOOD HILLS

Hundreds of American flags framed the entrance to Forest Lawn Memorial Park, a location that has existed for over 100 years in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles. It’s located near Griffith Park, and showcases a unique collection of American artworks, including larger-than-life statues of Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln. 

At the main staging area, an annual wreath is displayed as a tradition to commemorate service members who gave their lives while serving in the Armed Forces. The opening ceremonies were conducted by the members of the Los Angeles Police Department color guard as they presented the colors, during the singing of the national anthem.  

"We're here in the solemn remembrance of Memorial Day to pay homage to the selfless sacrifice of our nation's heroes and how they've selflessly given their lives in exchange for the freedom that we have today,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Chris Dougherty, 146th Airlift Wing commander, and keynote speaker for the event. 

The 146^th, based out of Channel Islands Air National Guard Station in Port Hueneme, plays an active role in the Cal Guard’s large-scale disaster response and aerial wildland firefighting capabilities.  

VALLEJO

A chilly breeze made its way around the waterfront to greet guests as they arrived at the City of Vallejo’s Veterans Memorial Park, located near Mare Island Naval Cemetery Memorial. 

From nearby Travis Air Force Base, the Air Force Band of the West warmed up the crowd with several patriotic songs. The four-piece quartet is part of the larger military musical organization known to travel over 125,000 miles annually with hundreds of performances across the western portion of the nation.  

The event, co-sponsored by the City of Vallejo and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 21,  selected local, female a Women Veteran program with top female veteran guest speakers including U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Marlena DeCelle, deputy commanding general of Cal Guard's 40^th Infantry Division, Virginia Wimmer, deputy secretary for California Department of Veterans Affairs, and Delphine Metcalf-Foster, former national Disabled American Veterans commander. 

DeCelle is a native of Vallejo and comes from an extensive military family. “I am the 5th generation to serve in the U.S. military, dating back to the Spanish-American War,” said DeCelle.  

Before the National Guard, DeCelle served in leadership positions at the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and the 13th Corps Support Command in Fort Hood, Texas. She left active duty in 2005 and was gainfully employed in the financial industry. However, she said she missed the service and “the brotherhood, the sisterhood and camaraderie.”

FAIR OAKS

The somber, patriotic setting was decorated with a Sacramento Metro Fire’s 50-foot U.S. flag at the entrance. As keynote speaker, California State Guard Brig. Gen. Peter Cross spoke in support of our nation and Maj. Saul Castillo conducted the ceremony’s invocation and benediction. 

A team from Cal Guard's Military Funeral Honors performed 13 Folds, and military honors for the attentive community audience. The crisp, precise folds represent the original 13 colonies at the start of our nation. Like every other aspect of our nation’s greatest symbol, each fold holds a special significance.