A day to remember

Lolita Harper

Korean War veteran Barry Jones pointed at the ground Monday at Harbor

Lawn Memorial Park.

“That is why we are here,” Jones said, pointing to the grave site of

John Diemen, a fellow Marine who lost his life in the Korean War during

the battle of the Chosin Reservoir.

Jones was among the hundreds of people who gathered at Harbor Lawn

Memorial Park in Costa Mesa to pay their respects to those who lost their

lives while fighting for the country’s liberty and freedom.

Decorated veterans, suited politicians, uniformed Boy Scouts,

sandal-footed children and their parents all made up a large and diverse

crowd at the cemetery memorial service. Early morning clouds finally

broke, and Southern California sun rays warmed the program.

Costa Mesa Fire Chief James Ellis spoke to the crowd about the

military heroes who were called to serve their country, and also the

heroic firefighters and police officers who answered the country’s call

on Sept. 11.

Jane Draganza, a 50-year resident of Costa Mesa, said it was an

especially poignant holiday given the unspeakable acts of the past fall.

“This Memorial Day means that the abominable spirit called courage is

still active in the United States, as we continue to celebrate out

freedoms given all odds,” Draganza said.

Costa Mesa Mayor Linda Dixon was on hand to pay tribute to those who

paid the ultimate price in defending freedom.

“Memorial Day honors those who have given so much of themselves so

that we are free,” Dixon said. “Free to come and go as we please. Free to

express ourselves and our views. This ceremony is a wonderful recognition

to our heroes.”

Costa Mesa resident Marc Sarbarneck, who was dressed in army fatigues

and a white T-shirt, said he was not a member of the military but feels

he missed his calling.

“This is my way of showing respect,” Sarbarneck said about his outfit.

“If I could go back and do it all over again, I would do my part by

serving my country.”

He hopes the next generation will learn the honor of serving and heed

the call in the future.

“I am so happy to see all of these families bringing their young kids

so they can see what Memorial Day really means -- that it is more than

just a barbecue,” Sarbarneck said.

Dixon agreed, saying she wished she saw more young faces in the crowd.

“I personally wish we could get more young people out here to hear the

words that are shared with us by veterans of wars,” Dixon said. “The

message is so important that we can’t take these things for granted.”

Brandin Grams, of Boy Scout Troop 666, said he was proud to take part

in Memorial Day activities, as this is the fourth year he has attended

the Harbor Lawn Ceremony. The 16-year-old agreed that many of his peers

do not fully understand the true meaning of the holiday, but added that

they eventually would. As teens mature and become more involved in

leadership roles in the community, they will realize what true service to

the country means, he said.

Jones and the other Korean War veterans -- members of the Chosin Few

fraternity recognizing the survivors of the battle at Chosin Reservoir --

said they gained full realization during subzero temperatures of the

Korean winter. The group of men gathered in the sunlight of the day and

recounted miserable fighting conditions of years past.

“Imagine fighting all the way from Big Bear to Riverside, with enemy

fire coming at you from every direction,” said Frank Torres, a Chosin Few

member. “All the way you are fighting for survival from your foes and

from the elements--”

“While carrying our wounded soldiers,” interrupted Fritz Heisterman.

Heisterman motioned to his fingers, which were permanently scarred at

the nail bed and tips from sever frostbite more than 50 years ago.

“That’s what 40-below weather will do to you,” Heisterman said.

* Lolita Harper covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4275 or by e-mail at o7 lolita.harper@latimes.comf7 .