Story, photo and slideshow by Chris Stone, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

May 29, 2023 (San Diego) -- Overlooking rows of white headstones Sunday at Miramar National Cemetery, a veteran recounted the March death of a former Navy SEAL and issued a call to action to prevent military suicides.

Joshua Prado, 2022 San Diego County Veteran of the Year, spoke of Silver Star recipient Douglas “Mike” Day in a Memorial Day observance.

“Every American can play a part in preventing another death like his and honoring his memory by helping those who have served this country,” he said of the Navy SEAL.

Prado’s ask of about 250 people at the holiday ceremony was: Check in on the veterans in your life. If you have a veteran or a person in your social circle or family, look for the warning signs that may precede a suicide.

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

(Photo, left, stock photo of Dan Foster next to the Alpine Veterans Wall of Honor taken by Rebecca Jefferis Williamson) 

May 27, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) Memorial Day, or “reason for the season” is to honor U.S. military personnel who died serving the U.S.A. Although Memorial Day, with the typically 3-day weekend attached to the holiday, is also associated with BBQ’s, Memorial Day sales, trips to the beach or trips out of town. It is observed on the last Monday of May.

Here's a rundown of East County events to commemorate the occasion:

By Miriam Raftery

May 31, 2021 (Arlington, Va.) – President Joe Biden laid a Memorial Day wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, where he said we “remember those who gave their all in the service of America, in the service of freedom, in the service of justice.”

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Henri Migala

May 22, 2021 (Deerhorn Valley) – Visitors to Deerhorn Valley Vineyards’ tasting room in Jamul over Memorial Day weekend will have the opportunity to sample a wine directly from the barrel,  complimentary with any winetasting purchased.

If you visit, please tell them you learned of their event on East County Magazine. Many of our readers had the delightful opportunity to taste their wines at our recent event. For those who missed our festivities, stop by and enjoy a real treat!

The wines are hand-crafted in small batches, with red wines aged in oak.  The winery offers a full range of whites, reds, rosés and blends. In addition, you can sample a wide variety of flavored balsamic vinegars and olive oils.

By Miriam Raftery

May 23, 2020 (San Diego) – This Memorial Day weekend, the number of Americans killed by COVID-19 is expected to top 100,000--more than the total of lives lost in the Vietnam and Korean wars combined.  President Donald Trump has ordered flags flown at half staff from Friday through Sunday at all federal buildings and national monuments “in memory of the Americans we have lost to the coronavirus,” he announced on Twitter. Then on Monday, flags will again be lowered to half-staff to honor military members killed in service to the U.S.

By Eric Galatas, Public News Service

Photo:  The program that helped create Gettysburg and other historic military sites is set to expire Sept. 30. (Wikimedia Commons)

May 27, 2018 (Sacramento) - As Americans observe Memorial Day, more than eight thousand veterans from across the nation have signed a letter urging Congress to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a program that helps protect some of the nation's most historic battlefields, monuments and public lands.

East County News Service

May 29, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – This weekend, we honor the men and women who have sacrificed their lives to serve our country in the U.S. armed forces.

More than 1.1 million American soldiers have been killed in wars since our nation began, from the Revolutionary War to today. The U.S. currently has about 14 million living veterans from War World II to the present military conflicts.

Here in San Diego County:

By Fire Chief SamDiGiovanna

May 23, 2016 (San Diego) -- Next weekend is Memorial Day Weekend. “Let’s all take part by being responsible for our self and others says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.”  Here are a few safety tips:

PWIA Launches 2nd Annual Safe Rider Program: Awareness initiative focused on education and personal watercraft rider responsibility.

May 20, 2014 (Washington D.C.) - The Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA) announced May 19 that it is again promoting the responsible use of personal watercrafts (PWC) by encouraging safety and education.

By Chief Sam DIGiovanna

May 19, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--While next Monday we will be remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces, Memorial Day can be thought of as one of the most important holidays in the U.S.  Observed annually every last Monday of May, people usually take some time off from their work and other activities to reflect on the significance of this all-important celebration and enjoy many outdoor activities and events.  Make this Memorial day memorable by following some of these safety tips.

May 23, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)—On Friday night, May 24, at sundown the public is invited to a lighting of the flame ceremony at Steele Canyon High School to honor heroes killed in action, as well as those currently serving in the military and our veterans.   You can also bring a flag and plant it in the ground on Friday, or anytime during the Memorial Day weekend.

By President Barack Obama

May 28, 2012 (Washington D.C.) -- Today, all across America, we’re coming together to remember our men and women in uniform who gave  their lives so that we could live free.  In town squares and national cemeteries, in moments of quiet reflection and parades down city streets, we’ll pay tribute to all those who gave the last full measure of their devotion, from Lexington and Concord to Iraq and Afghanistan.

This Memorial Day also holds special significance because it marks the beginning of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.

Nothing but the Truth!

By Will Power

 May 31, 2010 (San Diego) -- On Memorial Day we pay tribute to those brave souls who risk life and limb that we may live in a free, democratic society. But those who serve often sacrifice more than life and limb.