Child ID Program Kick Off

Memorial Day 2004

Today California Lodge #1 kicked off its first of many planned Child ID programs. Today's event was co-sponsored by Olivet Memorial Park in Colma and was very successful. In all, the Lodge produced and handed out 32 ID's for the kids that took part in the events (and we also made one just for John Bermudez' mom.) Olivet was kind enough to include the Child ID program in the advertising they did for their Memorial Day Event. The two main participants in the booth were George Sarkisov and David Oberquell. Other members of the Lodge that were present that I noticed were Lee Orchid, Jerry, Rich Modolo and his daughters, Ernie Reese and his wife. David Banastre, John Bermudez, Paul Nahinu, and W.M. Ben Ruhs were also on site, but had there hands full with some of Olivet's other events (see below).

The Memorial Day Event was opened by Ben Ruhs of Olivet Memorial Park, the Colors were presented and flown by the Boy Scouts Troop 242, the Pledge of Allegiance was said by a member of that troop and they also presented a wreath for those who have fallen in combat protecting our freedoms. Betty of Olivet Memorial Park read a patriotic poem about the Flag of the United States. The Lodge's own David Banastre gave a speech for Memorial Day noting the sacrifices of our men and women in arms and made special mention of Tillman Family's sacrifice. Finally, a very well done rendition of taps was played.