Somber Memorial Day tribute held in San Francisco's Presidio
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- On Monday, people gathered in San Francisco's Presidio for a solemn Memorial Day tribute to those who've paid the ultimate price for our country. Veterans stood guard, remembering their fallen brothers and sisters in arms.
John Stevens and Graham Dez-Verneen both served in World War II and Korea. On Monday, they remembered their fallen friends.
"It's a very sad day in many ways," Dez-Verneen said. "But it's a day of testimony to those who gave the most they could for this country."
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This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII.
"The enemies we fought then, we knew who they were," Stevens said. "It was a cleaner type of war."
In 70 years, warfare has changed. And so have attitudes back home.
"In World War II, the American people were at war," Stevens said. "In the current wars, the troops were at war, but America's not."
At Monday's event, veterans also remembered another unpopular war. The Vietnam War is one often remembered for the soldiers drafted against their will. But on its 50th anniversary, Rear Admiral Tom Brown points out many more signed up to fight.
"Two thirds of those who served were volunteers, and 72 percent of those who died were volunteers," he said.
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It's a sense of duty and pride that Stevens remembers.
And as for Dez-Verneen, after fighting in two wars, he went to work for the FBI. Patriotism was something he couldn't give up.
"I love this country and i love that flag," he said. "I still salute all the flags as i pass in the car."
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But on Monday, a more somber salute.
"To remember those people who gave their lives so that we can carry on," Stevens said.
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