Memorial Day Ceremony in Sierra Vista Arizona

By Enrique Tamez Vasquez, NETCOM Public Affairs OfficeMay 29, 2023

Gen. Christopher L. Eubank, Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM)’s commanding general with Sierra Vista civic leaders.
Addressing a crowd of more than four hundred attendees Maj. Gen. Christopher L. Eubank, Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM)’s commanding general joined City of Sierra Vista Mayor, Clea McCaa as well as other civic leaders to observe this year’s Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Memorial Day ceremony. (Photo Credit: Enrique Tamez Vasquez) VIEW ORIGINAL
Tombstone High School ROTC Color Guard
The Tombstone High School Reserve Officers Training Corps Color Guard presented the colors at this years' Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Memorial Day ceremony. (Photo Credit: Enrique Tamez Vasquez) VIEW ORIGINAL
Sierra Vistas' oldest veteran and former Sgt. Jerry Consiglio.
Attending this years Memorial Day ceremony was Sierra Vistas' oldest veteran and former Sgt. Jerry Consiglio, a proud World War II veteran, who stormed the beaches of Normandy and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Jerry will turn 100 years-old on July 28th. (Photo Credit: Enrique Tamez Vasquez) VIEW ORIGINAL
Maj. Gen. Christopher L. Eubank, U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM)’s commanding general.
Speaking at today’s ceremony was Maj. Gen. Christopher L. Eubank, U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM)’s commanding general. Eubank joined Sierra Vista Mayor Clea McCaa as well as other civic leaders to commemorate this year’s Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Day ceremony
(Photo Credit: Enrique Tamez Vasquez)
VIEW ORIGINAL

SIERRA VISTA, Ariz., - This Monday morning at the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery and all across Arizona, Memorial Day ceremonies occurred to honor the lives of all Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

For many Americans, the last Monday in May marks the unofficial start of summer—a long weekend with a family barbecue or gathering of friends. For those who served in the military, Memorial Day holds a greater significance, as it commemorates the brave men and women who lost their lives defending our great nation. At the core of our military lie unique themes: the selfless desire to serve and the willingness to sacrifice to defend our nation.

As a prelude to the ceremony today, civic and veteran’s organizations from Southern Arizona, Fort Huachuca and the greater Sierra Vista area gathered on Saturday May 27th to place American flags at the gravesites of each veteran.

Loretta R Bowman
We continue to honor those left behind who paid a personal price for us and our nation, our Gold Star families. (Photo Credit: Enrique Tamez Vasquez) VIEW ORIGINAL
Troop 444 from Sierra Vista Arizona
As a prelude to the ceremony today, civic and veteran’s organizations from Southern Arizona, Fort Huachuca and the greater Sierra Vista area gathered on Saturday May 27th to place American flags at the gravesites of each veteran. Pictured here are members of Boy Scout Troop 444 placing flags on a facade of veterans plaques. (Photo Credit: Enrique Tamez Vasquez) VIEW ORIGINAL
Memorial Day
The origin of Memorial Day, first observed over 155 years ago and then known as Decoration Day, was to beautify the graves in memory of those who fought and died to preserve our union during the Civil War. The holiday’s name obviously changed over the years, but its ideals and intention have not. (Photo Credit: Enrique Tamez Vasquez) VIEW ORIGINAL
Member of Boy Scout Troop 444 from Sierra Vista, Arizona
Pictured here is a member of Boy Scout Troop 444 from Sierra Vista, Arizona placing an American flag in front of a facade of veterans plaques. (Photo Credit: Enrique Tamez Vasquez) VIEW ORIGINAL

The origin of Memorial Day, first observed over 155 years ago and then known as Decoration Day, was to beautify the graves in memory of those who fought and died to preserve our union during the Civil War. The holiday’s name obviously changed over the years, but its ideals and intention have not.

It’s a day all Americans should take a moment to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Memorial Day is a day for both grief and celebration, reflecting on the tragic loss of life and recounting the courageousness of their service.

Addressing a crowd of more than four hundred attendees Maj. Gen. Christopher L. Eubank, Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM)’s commanding general joined City of Sierra Vista Mayor, Clea McCaa as well as other civic leaders to observe this year’s Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Memorial Day ceremony.

Jen Charest
Local Sierra Vista music artist Jen Charest sings the National Anthem at the Memorial Day ceremony held at the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery on May 29. (Photo Credit: Enrique Tamez Vasquez) VIEW ORIGINAL

“I am honored to be here today to convey our deepest gratitude for the men and women who have served and sacrificed to keep our nation strong,” Eubank said.

In his remarks Eubank also gave credence to the importance of those servicemembers and Goldstar families, who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

“As you look across these hallowed grounds, each marker you see represents someone who made a choice. They made a choice that few make and stood up to represent this nation and its citizens,” Eubank said.

“Unfortunately, many pay the ultimate price for that choice and are laid to rest to soon. Their loss is felt by their family members every day. Their sacrifice is a loss for us, and each one is one to many,” Eubank said.

Taps
Taps being played at this year's Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Memorial Day ceremony. (Photo Credit: Enrique Tamez Vasquez) VIEW ORIGINAL
Gun Salute
U.S. Army Soldiers from Fort Huachuca, Arizona performed a three volley salute at this year's Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Memorial Day ceremony. (Photo Credit: Enrique Tamez Vasquez) VIEW ORIGINAL
Goldstar Family wreath laid
Members of the local Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca Goldstar Families laid a wreath in honor of fallen. (Photo Credit: Enrique Tamez Vasquez) VIEW ORIGINAL
Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Day ceremony.
More than four hundred people attended this year’s Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Memorial Day ceremony. (Photo Credit: Enrique Tamez Vasquez) VIEW ORIGINAL

In closing, Eubank quoted from the Reverend Doctor Brown in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on May 30, 1868. “We have come to do honor to the noble dead. The noble dead, who fell here and on these neighboring hills, need no eulogium from our lips. They have secured the proudest of all earthly honors, and their tombstones bear the inscription, ‘They died for their country!’ There is no danger that they will be forgotten."