One of my favorite annual Downey events is the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Downey Cemetery. The format stays the same from year to year, but some things do change. I love to see the veterans standing up to be recognized, although the number of WWII vets has declined considerably since I started coming. I love the 21-gun salute, which was missing this year. I love the speeches and the melancholy sound of Taps at the end of the ceremony. And every year, I love watching the kids from local schools perform.
This year, kids from my alma mater Spencer Elementary School performed one of my favorites, "God Bless the USA".
And I'd gladly stand up next to youThese kids are standing proud, together with each other and with us, to support our veterans and our country.
And defend Her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt
I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.
God bless the USA!
Each year now there are less and less of the WWII vets. Twenty years, there'll be none left.
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