Continuing a long-standing tradition, the Charles P. Rowe Post 30 honor guard started the day by conducting a brief ceremony and salute at the World War I memorial in Garfield Park. This was followed by larger and more formal ceremonies at the Pomona Memorial Park (Pomona Cemetery).
A Field of Valor consisting of 50 flags was created and dedicated at the Pomona Cemetery to honor those who made the supreme sacrifice in service to our country.
Post 30, along with cadets from La Verne Lutheran High School Naval Junior ROTC, conducted ceremonies that included raising the flag to half-mast, posting and displaying the American, POW/MIA and service branch flags, and the placement of a wreath by the Auxiliary at the central monument.
The ceremonies were concluded with a rifle salute by the Post 30 honor guard and the sounding of taps.
Upon completion of ceremonies at the cemetery a contingent of post members visited Memorial Park near downtown Pomona. A remembrance ceremony and salute were done at the obelisk, which is inscribed with the names of Pomona servicemembers who gave their lives in all wars.
The honor guard then traveled to American Legion Post 299 in neighboring Chino, Calif., to present colors and honors as part of that post’s ceremonies. Members returned to Post 30, where military and U.S. flags were posted surrounding a display of boots and flags to honor the fallen. Many neighbors and friends, including a contingent from the Vietnamese community, visited or drove by to pay respects to those who gave all. After a brief noontime ceremony, the post hosted a picnic for the American Legion Family and guests.