Memorial Day touches us in many ways. Honoring those who gave their life so others can live in freedom cause moments of reflection, and for some people, a moment of respect and history. Reporter David Haldane said the day’s meaning touched deeply for some young people in Twentynine Palms…
There was a tearful moment during Saturday morning’s preparations for Memorial Day.
“I actually started to cry. When I saw that grave my heart slowly started to beat…”
That’s 11-year-old Christyona Lang, a member of the Young Marines, one of several youth groups that gathered early at the 29 Palms Public Cemetery. Their mission: to place flags on the graves of some 300 veterans buried there. The one that made her cry belonged to Jefferson Lang, her great grandfather, who died in World War II.
“When people die and there is family or relatives they will want to remember and come visit their graves. We will be honored to do this.” Other groups participating in the annual event included Scout troops 77 and 229 as well as the Armed Services YMCA. Samantha Collins, parent of a 15-year-old scout, believes the experience has benefits. “I think they get a sense of respect out of it.”
