They Remembered the Fallen
Jun 03, 2022 12:00AM ● By By Debra Dingman
Veterans Wayne Holland and Cecil Denning secure the wreath for the marker for Dixon soldiers killed in action as they prepare for the Memorial Day ceremony in the Women's Improvement Club Park.
DIXON, CA (MPG) - The turnout doubled this year at Dixon’s Memorial Day services and included active and retired military, families with young children, teens, and a dozen veteran motorcycle riders.
The mood was solemn as people stood about the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Silveyville Cemetery while veteran Roger Schaller, a former Chaplain in the service, read a powerful prayer begging for God’s mercy on those who have suffered or died because of a litany of evil including “…bombs, bullets, starvation, or torture.” The flag was moved to half-mast while he played Taps in honor of those who died serving our country.
The gathering afterwards at the Veterans Memorial Hall included a lunch and a special opportunity to honor those currently serving.
“My Dad was serving in Pearl Harbor when it was attacked,” said Kitty Lockwood, long time Dixonite and veteran herself, “Frank Green was also there.” Frank and Kay Green were long-time Dixonites and their grown family, Diana and Richard Brians, also served Dixon many years through civic duty.
Antonio Arredondo and Deanna Torres brought son Isaac, age 13, to build patriotism.
“We took a drive to the Sacramento Valley Veterans Cemetery first because we want him to appreciate what we have. There are people who died or lost a part of their body fighting for our country,” said Arredondo.
“I think it’s important,” added Torres. Isaac took some time to visit with Nicolas Escobar, a 2021 Dixon High graduate in full uniform of the US Army Police and who was raised in Dixon with three siblings. All of his family resides here.
“When I learned from the article in the Independent Voice online about this, I grabbed flowers from Safeway, then went to the Sacramento National Cemetery first. My great grandfather was a Korean War Vet in the Army,” Escobar said with pride. “I followed in his footsteps.” Escobar plans to complete an 8-year contract with the Army and is now stationed in Louisiana. His goal is to become a Fish and Game Warden and ultimately plans to make his home in or near Dixon.
“Dixon is a special place,” he said.
