VFW invites community to Memorial Day ceremonies

Memorial Day Weekend, a three-day break for many, represents more for others.

For members of Ramona Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3783 — with help from Boy Scout Troop 768 and the Ramona High Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps — it’s a weekend of accepting donations for Buddy Poppies and, on Monday, May 28, three ceremonies to remember the sacrifices of U.S. servicemen and servicewomen who have died.

Buddy poppies will be available at shopping centers in town May 25-27. Donations from the longstanding poppy tradition go to charitable programs for needy and disabled veterans and surviving family members of deceased veterans.

Ceremonies on Monday will begin at 10 a.m. at Nuevo Memory Gardens cemetery at 532 Ash St., where Vietnam veteran and retired Ramona High School teacher Bill Tamburrino will be the guest speaker. Flags will be on the graves of all veterans buried in the cemetery, a wreath will be placed on the unknown soldier’s grave, and flowers will be presented to Gold Star mothers — mothers whose son or daughter was killed in war or missing in action.

Immediately after the ceremony at the cemetery, a second event will be held at the World War II memorial at Ninth and G streets to honor Ramona servicemen who died in World War II.

At noon, a third ceremony will be held at the Vietnam Memorial at Schwaesdall Winery at 17677 Rancho de Oro Drive off state Route 67, across from Daniel’s West.

Following the ceremony at the Vietnam Memorial will be a barbecue picnic at the VFW post. All are welcome, and those attending are asked to bring a side dish and/or dessert. Ramona Brass Band will provide entertainment.

For more information, call 760-789-7888.