Santa Barbara remembers soldiers who lost their lives on this Memorial Day

There were many ceremonies celebrating Memorial Day throughout the country, but in Santa Barbara a big turnout showed up at the Santa Barbara cemetery.

The cemetery is very special to the city; it has over 4,500 veterans buried there.

Many people in Santa Barbara started their Monday off placing flags and flowers on the graves of those who died serving our county, but still many forget the true meaning of what Memorial Day is all about.

General Fedrick Lopez was in attendance with his grandson Ryan Marsh who has been leading the pledge of allegiance for the last four years. Ryan says he wished more kids would come to these ceremonies to learn how many have risked their lives… just like his grandfather.

“I am very proud. He is a one star general, retired 31 years,” said Marsh. “The youngest general at his time. And it is just amazing to know that I come from such a good background.”

For General Fredrick Lopez the ceremony was emotional for him.

“I have a lot of friends that died in the war and I think of them. It is just overwhelming to be in the presence of all these heroes,” said Lopez.

Captain Charlie Plumb who lived in Goleta for 13 years was the keynote speaker. He flew 74 successful combat missions over North Vietnam before he was shot down, taken as prisoner of war for six years and tortured.

His message was powerful.

“The worst thing that can happen is to be forgotten,” said Plumb.

Captain Plumb says you don’t have to carry a riffle or fly a jet to serve the county. You just have to remember those that have paid the ultimate price.

“Thank a vet for their service and asking them where they served and to find the Gold Star Mothers and families and ask them about their kid that was lost in combat,” said Plumb.