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San Clemente Remembers Fallen Service Members

PHOTOS AND TEXT BY C. JAYDEN SMITH T 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 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

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Tom

SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

Are you looking for a friendly feline to call your own? Look no further than Tom. This lovable lad is the epitome of sweet and is full of snuggles. Once you meet Tom, you’re sure to fall in love. Tom is FIV+ and should be the only cat in the household or it could live with another FIV+ cat.

If you are interested in adopting Tom, please visit petprojectfoundation.org/adoptions/ to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION: Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium

See the solution in next week’s issue.

Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente Historical Society

FROM THE ARCHIVES Pictured is a group of surfers on the beach at San Onofre in the 1930s. This photo can be purchased from the San Clemente Historical Society at sanclementehistoricalsociety.org.

Every week, the San Clemente Times will showcase a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, send the photo, your name for credit as well as the date and location of the photo to sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com.