Veterans Group of San Quentin conducted a memorial service to honor the fallen men and women who served in these United States Military. 

On a bright blue morning sky, incarcerated military veterans welcomed SQ residents to the service. 

Memorial Day became an official holiday in the 1970’s, but it was first known as “Remembrance Day.”

As the event began to take place, a large banner of flags were displayed, they represented the six branches of the US military, the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force.  

In addition MIA, and POW flags were on display as SQ paid homage to the fallen comrades.

VGSQ Chairman, Noah Winchester, acknowledged the 85 service members and guests. Trevor Shaw the groups Vice Chairman gave a heart felt poignant tribute to his family members who had also served in the military.

Tina R, the groups sponsor indicated that she had been given an advance copy of Trevor’s speech and that it succeeded in keeping the day special.  He had spoken of the passing of a brother, which made everything more real. 

The incarcerated Honor Guard conducted a flag folding ceremony of the American Flag into a traditional   triangular shape and placed it into position for the remainder of the ceremony, as one of the incarcerated veterans stood guard.

A wreath was then placed in front of the service flags, and six small replicas of the American Flag were inserted into the wreath to represent the six service branches.  

As each flag was inserted, the representative saluted and stood for a few moments of silence before leaving the area.

“To be a sponsor means the world to me.  That the vets let me in; especially because most vets are very protective of their own.” Tina R. said.  “It is no small thing that the members of the Veterans Group of San Quentin choose to share their stories with me.”