(Above left photo) Carl Barringer, veteran and past post commander of the VFW, gives the keynote address to the large crowd on hand at the Santa Paula Cemetery during the Memorial Day tribute. (Back) Members of the VFW stand at parade rest and listen to the speech. (Right photo) Rey Frutos, along with other VFW members, stand at parade rest next to the War Memorial located in the Santa Paula Cemetery. Members of the VFW traditionally have paid tribute to members of the military, past and present, each Memorial Day. Photos by Don Johnson

Memorial Day tribute remembers then and now

June 02, 2006
Memorial Day: Mercer-Prieto VFW Post annual observance
Santa Paula News
By Peggy Kelly Santa Paula TimesVFW Commander in Chief James R. Mueller wrote in the May VFW magazine that “Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance...” but there was no doubt that Santa Paulans remembered the sacrifice of those Americans who fought and were killed in war during Monday’s Memorial Day Observance.Mercer-Prieto VFW Post 2043 sponsored the annual Observance at Santa Paula Cemetery where hundreds of residents gathered under American flags which stand for “Valor and sacrifice,” noted featured speaker Carl Barringer, a past Post Commander and veteran of World War II.A musical prelude by the Isbell Middle School Band was conducted by Juliette Resor before VFW Post Commander Jack Schneider offered the welcome to the hundreds who attended the Observance and announced that Post 2043 has been recognized with a Diamond Jubilee Award presented for 75 years of meritorious service.The Post has about 75 members and “Each and every one of us contributed to the war,” by taking part in numerous conflicts Commander Schneider noted.Adj./Quartermaster Richard Ruiz received special recognition as “Without Richard this Post would not be what it is...he makes my job very easy,” added Commander Schneider.Post Chaplain John W. Bailey offered the invocation before the introduction of Barringer, who in WWII was a member of the 413th Infantry Regiment of the 104th Timberwolf Division and fought in Belgium, Holland and the German Rhineland. He also participated in meeting the Russians above Leipzig in April 1945.Barringer, a Sgt. (Squad Leader), was awarded three Battle Stars, one Bronze Star and the Combat Rifleman Award.“We take pride in Carl, not only as a comrade but as a friend...” Commander Schneider noted.
Barringer thanked those in attendance for “Taking the time to come out here to join us in honoring those who mean so much to us personally and who have given so much for our country.”Barringer further quoted Mueller who wrote “It is far too often we take for granted the freedoms all Americans enjoy...”As a veteran, “I felt that one of those things we all had in common as comrades was love of and loyalty to our country and each other,” and Barringer noted the parallels between Pearl Harbor and 9-11, both unexpected attacks leaving Americans “blindsided...”Santa Paulans are again in combat, “Sons and daughters of our families and friends going in harm’s way to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.”Barringer urged that those again on the home front “offer our support, just as we have in past years...today we honor this flag which stands for valor and sacrifice and we also remember every warriors’ prayer: Do not forget us.”After Barringer’s remarks the Placing of the Wreaths Ceremony was held followed by the Salute of Departed Comrades conducted by VFW Post 2043 and the Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 56 Rifle Squad.Rudy Arellano, the KWVA bugler, sounded “Taps” to conclude the ceremony, the poignant strains of the song bringing tears to the eyes of many of those who attended the Observance.



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