Participants and representatives in the Placing of the Memorial Wreaths Ceremony included: Gold Star Mother Harriet Peebler and her daughter Janice Smith; the City of La Mirada, represented by Mayor Gabe Garcia, Mayor pro tem Steve DeRuse, and  city council members Steve Jones and Larry Mowles; the Ebell Club of La Mirada, Jeanette Jenkins; Kiwanis Club of La Mirada, Alan Morrison, Debbie Scheibel, Tom Thornton; the Lions Club of La Mirada, Carlos Zavala; and the Rotary Club of La Mirada, Mark Troughton, Rick Jones, and Steve DeRuse.

 

Also participating, from the VFW: Commander Bryan Taylor, Senior Vice, Sal Mendoza, and President Eva Santana; along with Faye Munoz, Gil Perez and Norma Scott.

Paying a tribute to Iraq and Afghanistan casualties were Boy Scouts Troop 919 (Carl Freeman, Scout Master), Troop 438 (Moses Covarrubias, Cub Master), and Cub Scout Pack 919 (Phil Millman, Scout Master).

The list of the VFW post members that have perished since Memorial Day of last year were recited, they include: Donald Cornelison, David Corwick, Walter Lawetzki, Charles Naslund, Arvin Olp, Julio Palacios, Thrurber Proffitt, Alfred Santana, John Stephens, Charles Terzo and Joe Trujillo.

Lawetzki, buried at Olive Lawn, was part of the VFW Honor Guard and coordinated the Posting of Colors at this event the past 18 years.

Attending the ceremony for the first time since her husband's death this past winter, Lawetzki's widow Robin told us it was tough, "But I made it through it with all the support I receive from my extended family," she said, referring to the VFW members, "he was very active around here and he did quite a lot."

The Lawetzki's son, Walter Jr., participated in the ceremony in remembrance of his father.

Mayor Garcia told us the event is more than ceremonial, "It's our civic responsibility, to recognize people past, present, and future who serve in the United States Military."

To see all the photos of the event click here