Webb Park Ceremony Honors Those Who Defend Our Freedom

Flags, speakers, music and a bell-ringing ceremony honored military veterans on the Fourth of July at , part of the daylong, patriotic party in Rancho Bernardo.

The Veterans Memorial Service began just before 11 a.m. with the invocation by Capt. Dave Korinek of the State Military Reserve Chaplain Corps. Four members of the California National Guard’s 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team presented the colors, parading the American and California flags from the back of the assembled crowd to the side of the stage.

After a pitch-perfect version of the national anthem by Kailey O’Donnell, a bell-ringing ceremony was held to commemorate the 13 colonies. Retired Navy Lt. Bill May, dressed much like a colonist would back in the day, rang a bell for each of the colonies as their names were read from the podium. An Army flag guard held aloft flags from each colony, lowering them as their name was read and the bell was struck.

The featured speaker was Brig. Gen. Terry Ferrell, who spoke of the sacrifices made by veterans throughout our nation’s history. He told the crowd about how Rancho Bernardo is a perfect setting to honor those who have served.

“Last night we got into town a little early and we had the opportunity to walk over and look at the site,” Ferrell said. “When you look around and look at the monuments and you see those that have served from World War II. Korea. Vietnam. Gettysburg. Other campaigns.

“Walking around today to see these young men and women that are wearing combat patches from foreign conflicts and being a part of today is just as rewarding, and just as humbling.”

Ferrell told the gathering that the veterans in attendance, representing all military branches—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and “even some Coasties”—were deserving of a round of applause. The crowd agreed and applauded those who put their lives on the line for our freedom.

Next to the podium was retired Lt. Col. Tom Richards, who recognized the six Legion of Valor members in attendance. A very select group, the legion is reserved for those who have won one of the top two military awards: the Medal of Honor and a Service Cross. Richards said there are about 700 members nationwide and 100 in California.

After the Legion of Valor members stood amid applause, it was time to retire the colors and hear Korinek deliver the benediction. The crowd stood and made their way out, many likely on their way to secure a spot for the upcoming parade.