SC LIVING
San Clemente Remembers Fallen Service Members T PHOTOS AND TEXT BY C. JAYDEN SMITH
he city of San Clemente’s Memorial Day Observance event Monday morning, May 30, drew former military servicemembers, families, and community members alike to honor the memories of lost loved ones who fought for our nation. Attendees took part in moments of silence and prayer, not only for fallen soldiers but for victims of recent tragedies such as the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and roared in applause for the singing of the National Anthem and “God Bless America,” as performed by San Clemente’s Taylor Peterson. They were also moved by the words of the keynote speaker, Keene Sherburne— retired Lance Corporal of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines—and those of Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. Sherburne recounted his traumatic
San Clemente Times June 2-8, 2022
experience with a suicide bombing attempt in Iraq as a machine gunner and “bullet sponge,” and of the too-maturefor-his-age conversations about mortality that he had with fellow soldiers as a 19-year-old. He remembered a close friend of his, known for his everlasting smile, who wasn’t able to come back. “I’ve heard people say, ‘Hey, man, don’t you know what Memorial Day is? It’s not about hanging out and having a barbecue with your friends,’” Sherburne said. “I disagree. Those that passed on, this is exactly what they want us to do.” He added that servicemembers everywhere who have given their lives did so that people in America could live the life they do. “All I ask, all that they ask, is that while you drink the beer, while you flip the burger, remember why you get to do that,” said Sherburne. SC
Page 10
sanclementetimes.com
