More than 100 people gathered at the Los Ba&#241;os District Cemetery Monday to join with members of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts honoring those who have given their lives in the service of their country. </p><p>The Memorial Day ceremony, led by VFW member Norm Donovan, opened with the raising of the colors to half-staff by Los Ba&#241;os Fire Chief Chet Guintini and VFW member Jim Valentine. Gene Brandi played the "Call to Colors" on the trumpet, and followed with the singing of the national anthem accompanied by his wife Christine and Councilman Tom Faria on keyboards.</p><p>The day's keynote speaker was Joe Cox, commander of the local VFW and a World War II and Korean War submarine veteran.</p><p>After giving a brief history of Memorial Day's founding, Cox urged people to reflect on the meaning of the day, a time set aside to remember those who died in all of this country's wars.</p><p>"It's not just a three-day holiday," Cox said. "It's a day to remember those who died for our freedom and to honor our fallen comrades.</p><p>"A terrible price has been paid for our freedom, and is still being paid today."</p><p>Los Ba&#241;os District Cemetery Board President Mike Villalta introduced Cemetery Manager Darryl Henley and head groundskeeper Tony Aguilar. He said plans are under way to build a rotunda on the cemetery grounds "where services can be held in all weather."</p><p>Los Ba&#241;os Mayor Tommy Jones spoke briefly at the ceremony saying the republic is the greatest experiment in the history of mankind.</p><p>"I can't help but believe when God looks down on America he is pleased at all the sacrifices we are willing to make to remain free," he said. "We must continue to be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice and must remember our veterans on this day."</p><p>Donovan introduced a number of dignitaries attending the event, including Merced County Supervisor Jerry O'Banion, former mayor Michael Amabile and those representing Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry.</p><p>Faria sang "God Bless the USA" and Our Lady of Fatima students read a poem in honor of fallen veterans.</p><p>Los Ba&#241;os resident Geneva Brett recited an original poem she wrote in honor of her father, a U.S. Army veteran who was killed in the Korean War one week before her birth.</p><p>Richard Frontella Exalted Ruler of the Los Ba&#241;os Elks Lodge, spoke of the origins of Memorial Day and of the importance of remembering those who fought for freedom.</p><p>The Elks organization has been supporting military veterans for nearly 100 years with contributions including the donation of a 700 bed hospital in Boston to the government in 1918, the forerunner of modern Veterans Administration hospitals. The Elks also raised funds to help the Red Cross, began programs for disabled veterans and collected books for the Merchant Marines among many other efforts.</p><p>"Please know that we think of them today and everyday," he said of those who have died serving the country.</p><p>Keeping with tradition at the local Memorial Day ceremony, a wreath, flowers and a flag were placed near the memorial marker at the base of the flag pole at the cemetery.</p><p>The local VFW's senior vice commander Gene Anderson placed the wreath as a symbol of remembrance.</p><p>Los Ba&#241;os Fire Captain and VFW Junior Vice Commander Robert Strauch placed a white flower as a symbol of purity. The symbolic presentation is in the hope that future generations will emulate the unselfish courage of all who fought for our country's freedom.</p><p>Los Ba&#241;os Police officer and VFW officer of the day Jesse Ceja placed a red flower as a symbol of devotion and everlasting remembrance. The red flower is in memory of the heroic dedication that all soldiers gave to their country.</p><p>Donovan placed an American flag as a symbol of the nation.</p><p>A silent salute to those who have died while in service of their country, preceded the VFW honor guard's 21-gun salute. Gene Brandi and Rick Toscano played taps to conclude the ceremony.