Friends and family gathered at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church on Friday afternoon for a “Final goodbye” to two Emporia WWII veterans.
The church hosted a military sendoff for Army Soldiers Jesse Garcia and Robert Ramirez, who both died in service to their country in WWII, Garcia in the Philippines and Ramirez in Europe. The ceremony included a raising of the flag, the reading of a poem and the presentation of flags to the Garcia and Ramirez family.
Organizer Jesse Solis says the ceremony was rooted in healing and celebration of the lives and courage of both Garcia and Ramirez, showing them the honor and respect that was at times denied or overlooked for “Chicano” soldiers in the past.
The healing component of the ceremony was evident for family members in attendance, including Ramirez’s nephew and Vietnam Veteran Manuel Hernandez, who called it a very special day.
With All Veterans Tribute Activities continuing locally through Veterans Day on Tuesday, Ramirez says he hopes everyone can take just a moment to reflect on the importance of the day and the sacrifices made by all veterans and the battles that some continue to fight even after their service has ended.
Family of Jesse Garcia respectfully declined a recorded interview, but expressed their gratitude to the church, community and other local veterans for putting on the event and showing respect and gratitude to their loved ones.
Click here for a YouTube Short of Friday’s ceremony.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News.
