Photos

Calling this "a very difficult time for our country," Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton) nevertheless praised soldiers serving in the Middle East and other parts of the world and their families in brief remarks that he gave Monday at Memorial Day ceremonies in the Pleasanton Memorial Gardens cemetery.

"Our nation is very proud of their accomplishments and what they have given us and what they have shown the world about freedom," McNerney said. "We also need to give a special recognition to the families of those young men and women. These families are sacrificing more than us, more than the rest of us can even imagine. Our nation will honor you and your sacrifice and your loved ones forever."

Another speaker was Mayor Jennifer Hosterman who thanked the local veterans' organizations and the Scouts for their efforts to hold the special Memorial Day service.

"We owe a substantial debt to our nation's veterans who risked all so that we might continue to enjoy America's freedom and the privileges and protections that guarantees," Hosterman told a crowd of more than 200 participants. "Today as we go about our busy lives, let's all pause and take part in a national day of remembrance."It’s a way we can all help put the 'memorial' back in Memorial Day and connect all of us as Americans."

The program, the first held at Pleasanton Memorial Gardens since the city acquired the historic cemetery from the International Order of Odd Fellows, included patriotic songs led by Army Chaplain and Lt. Col. Gerald D. Evans, a volley fired by the Air Force ROTC from Cal Berkeley, and remarks by retired Rear Admiral Mary P. O'Donnell of the U.S. Coast.

The hour-long annual ceremony is sponsored each year by the Pleasanton Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 6298, and Pleasanton Post 237 of the American Legion, the organizations which also served as the color guard.

Also participating were Boy Scouts from Pleasanton Troops 941 and 998, who placed U.S. flags on the graves of veterans buried at Pleasanton Gardens and the adjacent St. Augustine Catholic cemetery.

- Jeb Bing

Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.