The United States of America
Military Pays Tribute
Veterans Park, Big Bear Lake, California
Memorial Monday May 25th, the Big Bear Valley Marine Corps League Detachment #1038 and The American Legion
Post #584 will participate in a special program commemorating the
sacrifices of the United States military personnel and those who have died in
our nation’s service.
The community is cordially invited to join Veterans
and military families of service personnel and first responders, past and
present to participate in the procession and ceremony at Veterans Park, located on Big Bear Boulevard, at Knickerbocker Road
in Big Bear Lake.
The keynote speaker for the solemn event is Lieutenant Colonel Gregory Thomas, USMC,
retired. Lieutenant Colonel Thomas is native of Indiana. Thomas enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1985
and was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Program, where he
attended Purdue University. His assignments include the 8th Engineer
Support Battalion, MEU Service Support Group, Marine Wing Support Group 271, 1st
Combat Engineer Battalion, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron and
served as the Facilities Maintenance Officer at Camp Pendleton, CA. Thomas is
married with two children. The family resides
in Temecula, CA. He is active with the YMCA, Water for People, Semper Fi Fund,
his HOA, coaching soccer and is community.
He is currently the General Manager for Rincon del Diablo Municipal
Water District in Escondido, CA.
The Big Bear Valley ceremony will begin at 10:00
A.M., with a bagpipe tribute, performed by Major Nelson Reynolds, USAF retired.
Major Nelson has supported the Big Bear Memorial Day Ceremony for many years
and is honored to be invited every year.
Additional participants
in the ceremonies are:
Marine Corps League #1038 Color
Guard;
American Legion Post #584 Honor Guard
Women’s Auxiliary American Legion Post #584
Mayor David A. Caretto of the City of Big Bear Lake
San Bernardino County Supervisor James Ramos
Reverend Tom Goodman of the Amer #1351
Boy Scout Troop #49 & #1845
Cub Scout Troop #49
Vocalist and Music by Kylar Carmody,
Natalie Hannan & Evie Nootenboom, students of Diane Sloan Kubeja