Newport-Mesa pays a Memorial Day tribute

Deepa Bharath

NEWPORT BEACH -- Newport Harbor High School kicked off its third

annual Memorial Day program Friday morning with a solemn tribute to

heroes and a ceremonial 21-gun salute.

The school’s ceremony also marks an annual rededication of the

memorial plaque installed at the school, on which are inscribed names of

Newport Harbor High alumni who fell during World War II.

Senior John Grams, one of the organizers of the event, said such

events are important, especially for students.

“We say a lot of things about war and make blockbuster movies about

them,” he said. “We read about them in novels and books. But very often,

we don’t honor the real-life heroes who serve our country.”

Kenny Nesbit, also a senior, said he believes it is important to honor

the heroes of war.

“They just don’t get enough recognition,” he said.

The ceremony was well-attended by several Newport Harbor High

students, as well as Newport Beach City Council members, Costa Mesa Fire

and Police departments personnel, members of the Marine Corps and several

local veterans.

Buck Land, a former Newport Beach resident and World War II veteran

who lives in Huntington Beach, said he is happy to see young people

recognize veterans.

“I think it’s great that they’ve chosen to honor men and women who

have sacrificed their lives for our country,” he said.

Web Jones, also a World War II veteran, said such events help “create

awareness” among the younger generation.

“It brings it closer to home for these students,” he said. “And it’s

really nice when they can actually meet the veterans.”

Principal Michael Vossen, who addressed the gathering, relayed that

the people who fought for the country gave their lives so the rest of the

nation can live in a land that’s free.

“Our purpose today is to provide recognition to those brave souls who

have provided us with so much,” he said. “We must never forget their

contributions to our liberty and freedom. They paid the ultimate price

with their lives.”

Newport Beach Mayor Tod Ridgeway, who also spoke at the ceremony, said

it is as important to honor the living veterans as it is to remember the

dead.

“Let us salute our living heroes,” he said, “as we pay tribute to

those who have fallen.”

* Deepa Bharath covers public safety and courts. She may be reached at

(949) 574-4226 or by e-mail at o7 deepa.bharath@latimes.comf7 .