‘Still on Patrol’

On a stage decked out like a tiny ship, with anchors and buoys and blue streamers for water, U.S. Navy Capt. David Jones talked Monday about the “top-notch American lads” who have patrolled the world’s oceans in submarines for 100 years.

Known as the “Silent Service” for its stealthy, underwater attacks and lonely existence in the depths of the sea, the U.S. Navy Submarine Force was the latest military unit to be honored at Orange County’s oldest Memorial Day ceremony. Hundreds attended the event at Fullerton’s Loma Vista Memorial Park, gathering under tents and trees, surrounded by some 500 flags flying tall and ramrod-straight.

“On board any submarine there will always be an element of inherent danger,” Jones told the rapt audience, which gave him a standing ovation. “Patrol after patrol, since the year 1900, submariners ran into enemy fire. And patrol after patrol, they returned to fight.”

It was the 62nd Memorial Day ceremony at Loma Vista, where hundreds of volunteers prepared by placing more than 3,000 flags and little white crosses on the graves of those who served the military. The tradition was started in 1938 by C. Stanley Chapman, the son of the city’s first mayor, who walked the cemetery and decorated the graves by himself. It has since grown into a countywide event, drawing hundreds of veterans and their families into the celebration of patriotism.

“It is a fabulous day,” said Maggie McDonald, a Cypress resident whose husband, Max, is buried at Loma Vista. “The flags are glorious. The spirit is breathtaking. I feel proud and I feel sad, but I’m so very thankful for my country.”

Earl Deeble, an 81-year-old former member of the Submarine Force who fought back tears as he listened to the national anthem with his hand over his heart, wanted to honor the thousands of fellow submariners who lost their lives in the water. “They are still on patrol out there,” Deeble said. “They are still heroes too.”

While the hourlong service featured a salute to the submarine force and its landmark anniversary, each of the guest speakers touched on the larger theme that united them on this last Monday in May.

“As you look around the graves today, know that there are stories of bravery and self-sacrifice buried at every one of them,” Jones said. “To ensure that America in the new millennium remains free, we must remember the lessons of the past . . . and know that freedom is not free.”

That was the message Jan Wilcox hoped would rub off on his three children when the Anaheim man decided to bring them to the ceremony for the first time Monday. Wilcox, 47, said he has shared stories about his late father’s Army service in World War II--the same stories his dad passed on to him. But he wanted his two daughters and son to see “some proof of service and pride” for themselves.

As it was, the children had a barrage of questions for him as they made their way to the white tents before the service began.

“Are the big flags here all the time?” asked 10-year-old Sara.

No, just for today, because today is special, Wilcox replied.

“Why do some [headstones] have flags and some don’t?” she wanted to know.

Because the flags are for the people who served our country, her father said.

“Who made the crosses? Is it OK if we walk over the graves?” 12-year-old Britney asked.

His answer: Volunteers probably made them, and yes, but walk gently.

“Will there be snacks?” queried Connor, 8.

He got no answer.

By the end of the ceremony, the trio had asked enough questions to fill a book. Yet Wilcox was thrilled by their curiosity. They had felt the energy of the event, from color guard officers in their sharp uniforms to the sight of 80-year-old former sailors saluting one another. Wilcox said it was worth every minute.

“I didn’t go into the military like my father,” he said.

“But I have always admired him. He was so brave. I want my kids to know something about that. I want them to appreciate what he fought for.”