Memorial Park to pay tribute to veterans

La Vista Memorial Park and Mortuary in National City is a place where the dead are laid to rest.

But military veterans of the attack on Pearl Harbor still living will be honored this Memorial Day at the park’s 10th annual Memorial Day ceremony on May 30 from 1 to 3 p.m. at 3191 Orange St.

Each year the mortuary has a different theme during Memorial Day observances, with veterans of Pearl Harbor participating in the two-bell ceremony.

This year, to coincide with the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, the survivors will be the main focus of the Memorial Day events.

“Since they (Pearl Harbor survivors) started with us some years back they’ve become like the grandfathers of La Vista and they’ve chosen to be here at a non-military cemetery to honor us with their presence,” said La Vista general manager Luisa McCarthy.

Raymond “Ray” Chavez, the  nation’s oldest living Pearl Harbor survivor at 104, will be in attendance along with six other survivors, two of whom are recipients of the Purple Heart, a medal awarded to veterans wounded in combat. The plan is for them to make an arrival with friends and family riding the Old Town Trolley.

The 82nd Airborne Division will also be in attendance to present full military honors and the parading of the colors by  U.S.S Pearl Harbor, a dock-landing ship stationed in San Diego. A highlight of the event will be a fly-by of four World War II vintage airplanes, said McCarthy.

The History Channel will be on hand to document  parts of the event and to interview survivors in attendance.

McCarthy said memorializing Pearl Harbor survivors at La Vista for Memorial Day is a moment that should be cherished.

Because the generation of World War II is aging and dying “it’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to come see the living legends,” McCarthy said.

Forty-five military personnel will be on hand at the event,  with some placing American flags on all Veteran memorials.

The cemetery and memorial park was opened in 1868. Since that time at least two Pearl Harbor veterans and 30 Civil War veterans have been buried there.

McCarthy said La Vista’s Memorial Day celebration has come a long way since its first year when 40 people attended.

“It’s going to be an amazing, unforgettable experience to be surrounded by living legends,” she said. “They are a huge part of history, they deserve to be honored while they are with us.”