Legionnaire Richard Moore will introduce Legion Commander Dave Connell and Kremer, who will welcome the audience. The general order, which lowers the flag to half-staff on Memorial Day until noon, will be read by Dean Peterson, like Kremer, a member of the Legion and the VFW.
Madeleine Visca will sing “The Star Spangled Banner,” followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Boy Scout Troop 35. Frank Visca will give the invocation and the benediction near the end of the ceremonies. Mayor Kelly Boyd will represent the city.
The most poignant part of the annual ceremony is always the roll call of veterans who have died in the previous year, now stationed at the “Post Everlasting.” Floral tributes from community groups will be presented.
Ceremonies will conclude with the playing of “Taps” and raising the flag to full mast.
“Every year, we seem to draw more and more people to the ceremonies,” Kremer said. “Because the area at Monument Point is so restricted and the program lasts an hour, we encourage people to come at least 20 minutes early if they want to be seated.
“Hopefully, the more physically able will defer to them.”
It is a day to be thoughtful.
Members of the Exchange Club will be up and about Memorial Day even earlier than the veterans.
The Memorial Day Breakfast in Heisler Park will be served from 7 a.m., but set-up begins on Cliff Drive at the foot of Myrtle Street at 5:30 a.m.
A plate of pancakes, sausages and a drink will cost $5, but that includes watching Laguna Beach Firefighters flipping flapjacks, entertainment and free goodies distributed by a phalanx of fairies — all under the command of “Generalissimo” Sande St. John.
The event is sponsored by the White House restaurant, which provides the pancake mix, and Las Brisas, which donates the rest of the menu.
