Oceanside CA— Eternal Hills Memorial Park hosted a Memorial Day ceremony for the community to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
On Saturday, Boy Scouts from Troop 752 placed flags on graves throughout the Memorial Park. On Memorial Day, they honored fallen Veterans by handing flags to family members as they entered for the ceremony.
Entertainment was provided by ‘Sweethearts of Swing’ before and after the ceremony that was opened with ‘Going Home’ played on the bagpipes by retired Orange County Firefighter, Kem Murray. Pastor Joe Cole of New Song Community Church in Carlsbad gave the opening invocation followed by the Presentation of the Colors by the El Camino High School MCJROTC the National Anthem performed by Sweethearts of Swing.
The main speaker was Col. Phillip G. Antekeler, Commanding Officer Headquarters and Support Battalion-MCIWEST-MCB, Camp Pendleton who gave a little bit of the history of Memorial Day and lamented that a recent poll revealed only 55% of Americans know what Memorial Day is about. The Colonel was followed by Gregory Morones, Eternal Hills location manager, ringing the ceremonial bell three times to honor our fallen heroes. Taps was played Michael Timson followed by ‘I Believe’ performed by Janet Hammer and Nathan Fry. The ceremony was closed with a dove release. and Kem Murray playing Amazing Grace on the bagpipes.
People from Eternal Hills Memorial Park treated guests to an All American lunch which included hot dogs. This was the 33rd time Eternal Hills Memorial Park has hosted the event.

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Photos: Steve Marcotte/OsideNews