The flag at Victory Park flies at half-mast this morning in recognition of Memorial Day and to honor members of the United States military who died in service to this country. Since revolutionary times, well over a million persons have sacrificed their lives in service to this country.
As I’ve posted before, the flag is tied to the Gold Star Mothers Flagpole. At the base of the pole is a plaque inscribed “In remembrance of those who made the supreme sacrifice during World War II.” This morning a bouquet of flowers rests under the plaque.
In the foreground is a giant boulder placed in honor of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Joe Hayashi. On April 22, 1945, Hayashi was killed in battle in Italy, but not before he dragged wounded soldiers to safety then led his men uphill to subdue a number of enemy machine gun nests and save many other American lives. Pasadena’s only WWII Medal of Honor recipient, Hayashi’s story is recounted in a number of places including the late Ann Erdman’s legendary Pasadena PIO blog.
This year the “V” for victory at the corner of Altadena and Paloma is bright with 19 deep red roses planted by Pasadena Beautiful Foundation. The new roses (Veterans’ Honor variety) bring that corner to life and are a fitting addition to the park.
Going back to 2010, I’ve often posted here on Memorial Day to honor the men and women who came before us and sacrificed their lives in service to this country.
As I walk Victory Park these Memorial Day mornings and come to the Gold Star Mothers’ Flagpole and the Hayashi Memorial, I am moved by the dedication and selflessness of young men and women who left home and family to serve their country, by the many young lives lost to war, by the families forever changed by war, and by the courage of a Joe Hayashi.
I try to put myself in the shoes of these people who came before. But, I really can’t. Thankfully, I don’t know what it’s like to have your draft number called, or say goodbye to a child headed off to war, or to advance into enemy machine gun fire.
But, I can honor, respect and remember. And as I leave the Victory Park memorial, I am moved that others do too. Modest, but always there these Memorial Day mornings, is a small bouquet of flowers at the Gold Star Mothers’ Flagpole.
We remember. Let us never forget.
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