Approximately 300 people attended San Marino’s acknowledgement of Memorial Day on Monday morning in Lacy Park, under cool skies filled with poignant memories of those who have served the nation and the 52 San Marinans who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The event, emceed by Tribune Editor Mitch Lehman, also featured Rep. Judy Chu, D-27th District and San Marino Mayor Steve Talt, among others.
In a touching portion of the program, Talt provided a brief biography of several of San Marino’s war dead.
The keynote speaker was San Marino resident Wendy L. Glazier, a retired intelligence Commander in the U.S. Navy. Glazier spoke of the contributions of all veterans, but focused on the specific challenges a woman faces in the military. Glazier’s gratitude for serving never wavered as she reminisced about her more than two decades in the Navy.
“It was 1982 and I was 17-years-old when I stepped off the bus at Treasure Island and began my week of freshman orientation for the Naval Academy R.O.T.C. program at UC Berkeley at Stanford,” Glazier told the crowd nested into their chairs, listening intently to this highly credentialed former Naval intelligence officer. “And I spent the next 24 years engaged in the Navy’s vibrant history, culture and mission. I consider myself so fortunate that I had the opportunity to do that.”
Glazier served in the Navy from 1986-2006, serving as an intelligence officer in different capacities throughout her tenure. She also served as an International Relations liaison between the United States and the navies and intelligence organizations of other nations. During Operation Desert Storm, Glazier was engaged in Washington, DC, as an analyst, tasking satellites, aircraft and ships. She later taught intelligence for the United States Navy at Point Loma.
The desire to serve began when she was 10-years-old, she said, because that’s when the first woman was commissioned in the Navy. In 2013, the ban on women serving in combat roles was lifted. Since that time, the number of women in combat forward operations has grown and will continue to grow.
“Today 214,000 women serve in the military, making up 14.6 percent of the Armed Services, she told her attentive audience. “Over 160 women have died in combat just in the last few years in Iraq and Afghanistan. Two women in those conflicts were awarded the Silver Star, the nation’s third highest decoration for valor.
Glazier also pointed out that the role of women in the military parallels the role of women in society.
“I want to tell you how proud I am to have served my country as I know all you veterans out there are,” Glazier said. “Let’s remember the men and women for whom this day was created.”
After the formal presentation, Lehman had two young assistants, Gold Scout Katie Kirkendall and Eagle Scout Brian Byrne, to pass around a microphone, allowing anyone the opportunity to share their military service. One gentleman, Steve Antosy, said he had served in WW II and was on Omaha Beach during D-Day. Antosy also fought in the Battle of the Bulge and witnessed the Nuremberg War Trials.
Many just spoke the names of their friends that had died in combat.
Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, a longtime San Marino resident, was on hand and spotlighted his six years in the United States Marines.
And there was more than just reminiscing, as Lehman told a touching story about a young man in attendance, Raye Cheng, who has received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point in July.
“This kid has been very special to me the whole time I’ve known him,” Lehman said after the successful event. Cheng had to overcome many obstacles to become a star athlete, model school citizen and, eventually, a Cadet. Lehman said Cheng is “an inspirational figure in my life and the lives of many of his classmates.”
In his earlier address to the crowd, Cheng said that the presence of so many veterans in Lacy Park had inspired him to work even harder.
The Memorial Day event also included a tribute to all local war veterans, and an acknowledgement of the 52 San Marino residents who gave their lives defending the nation and its freedoms.
San Marino resident and veteran Bob Dini led the audience in the singing of patriotic songs. Other sponsors include Southwestern Academy, the Rotary Club of San Marino and San Marino City Club.
San Marino hosts a Memorial Day event each year, starting at 9 a.m. at the War Memorial in Lacy Park.
