Memorial Day drew a patriotic crowd to Star Park in Coronado. Several hundred people came to honor those who lost their lives while wearing the nation's military uniforms.
The small, circular park filled quickly, first with people, then emotion. Young and old gathered to remember in a town that has enjoyed a long embrace with the U.S. Navy.
"The men and women who gave their lives in service to our great country wore the cloth of this nation proudly. They shouldered the heavy burdens that come with service," said David Buss, U.S. Navy vice admiral. "And some gave what Abraham Lincoln rightfully called the last full measure of devotion."
Gold Star families are relatives of service members who died while in service to the nation. They laid flowers at a memorial stone in the heart of Star Park.
The stories of those who died were read as the gift of flowers was delivered. Marines honored the fallen with a warrior's salute - guns shooting into the air.
Robert Kelly, U.S. Navy lieutenant junior grade, grew up in Coronado. He welcomes being stationed here and remembers coming to this park for memorial day services as a boy.
"It can be happy to see that at least everyone, non-military, military combined, is all there to represent and celebrate those families that gave the ultimate sacrifice of their loved ones. And that's the happy part. It's knowing that people actually care," said Kelly. "Then it's the somber part of listening to the stories. But that's important too. That's kind of a part of the whole."
The remembrances tempered an otherwise bright summer day. Those who gathered promised never to forget.
