A contingent of new American citizens -- Assyrians who fled the repressive regime of Saddam Hussein in Iraq to settle in Turlock -- will be present for the three-day Memorial Day Weekend commemoration in Manteca at Woodward Park.

When they read about plans for the 5,800 white crosses to honor those who have died so far in the Global War on Terror, they contacted organizers and dropped by where the crosses were being painted in Riverbank. Almost instantaneously after seeing them, several Assyrians insisted that it wasn't good enough. They asked -- and were allowed -- to repaint the crosses with even greater care.

To them it was a sacred task as, in their own words, "those crosses represent those who have died for our freedom."

That is more than enough reason to set aside the usual Memorial Day weekend routine and make it a point to drop by Woodward Park on Saturday, May 29, and Sunday, May 30, to take part in the various activities that are detailed in a story on today's front page.

You can also drop by the Manteca Chamber of Commerce's Memorial Day parade with the theme "The Price of Freedom" on Yosemite Avenue in downtown Manteca on Monday, May 31, starting at 11 a.m.

Roughly two dozen World War II veterans will serve as grand marshals while dozens upon dozens of other veterans will also be part of the procession along with other entries.

Prior to that at 10 a.m., traditional Memorial Day remembrances will take place at East Union Cemetery.

Memorial Day is a time to take pause and remember the fallen. The parade may not seem to fit into that mode but in a way it does. You can bet the men and women who are marching and riding will be reflecting heavily on comrades who didn't make it home and died serving America in a distant land.

By the same token, those who will line the street will be doing so not simply to honor, respect and thank those veterans who are still alive but to also do the same for those who have fallen defending America.

By Dennis Wyatt
www.mantecabulletin.com