The normally hushed grounds in the foreign section of the Chapala cemetery came to life on Monday, May 27 as the setting for the Memorial Day ceremony held in tribute to military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces of the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
The annual event was organized by American Legion Post 7, in collaboration with ANAVETS Mexico Unit 19.
Following introductory remarks by Post 7 Commander Randall Butler and an opening prayer, wreaths dedicated to the different branches of the armed forces were laid in front of a flag display.
Guest speakers included Unit 19 Service officer Mark Horodecky, Post 7 member Steve Thaggard Jr., Daughters of the American Revolution spokeswoman Janice Manen, Rhizome Center for Migrants Director Tran Dang, Guadalajara American Legion Post 17 Commander Juan Castro, Canadian Consul Frank Le, and Chapala government cabinet advisor Moisés Ochoa. They spoke on varied topics reflecting on the sacrifices made by military personnel to protect the freedoms of their fellow citizens.
Approximately 133 deceased veterans from the lakeside area are buried or memorialized in the Chapala cemetery. Gravesites and memorial plaques pertaining U.S., Canadian, U.K. and Mexican citizens who served in the military were decorated with flowers and flags for the occasion.
After the solemn service, Post 7 hosted an upbeat Memorial Day luncheon featuring a menu of roasted pig-in-pit and live musical entertainment.