GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – The Gridley-Biggs Cemetery was draped in red, white and blue this Memorial Day as it hosted Veterans, their families and others at the Military Veterans Court of Honor.

As tradition, the cemetery strives to honor the over 1,600 veterans that are laid to rest there in grand style. This year, 1,600 white crosses and small American Flags or Veteran Memorial stars were placed at the graves of the Veterans interred there and 325 full-size American flags lined all roadways throughout the cemetery. Gridley CAL FIRE Ladder Truck 74 extended its ladder to hoist a giant version of Old Glory high above those below. The effect was stunning and set a patriotic yet solemn mood for the program to follow.

Master of Ceremonies this year was Major Cliff Wagner, USAR (retired) and the City of Gridley’s new City Administrator. A beautiful program featured addresses by both Mayor of Gridley, Bruce Johnson and Mayor of Biggs, Bo Sheppard. They were followed by local royalty Miss Butte Co. Lauren Kelly, Miss Teen Butte Co 2^nd Runner-up Kayllen Barnett, and Miss Teen Butte County, Addie Scott"'all speaking on “Why I’m grateful to those who’ve served.” Musical tributes included the National Anthem, sung by Miss Butte Co. Lauren Kelly, a stirring rendition of “Amazing Grace”, by Kari Wheeler, “God Bless America” led by Kayllen Barnett, and the armed forces salute recognizing all branches of the military, where Veterans of each branch were asked to stand and be recognized by the audience.

The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Golden Bear Division oversaw the flag folding ceremony, presenting the folded flag to the family of Pedro Mota. Major Wagner then introduced the featured speaker, Staff Sergeant Nicholas Gauthier, U.S. Army. Staff Sgt. Gauthier is the recipient of two purple hearts, for being wounded in action in both Iraq and Afghanistan combat tours and was awarded the United States Bronze Star. Sgt. Gauthier shared his call to action were the events of 9-11 and further related his combat experiences and the loss of his brothers in arms and fellow soldiers to the fight.

Military honors were provided by VFW Post 5731 and American Legion Post 210 with a 21-gun salute and playing of Taps. Beale Air Force Base provided a flyover, with T-38s blazing through the sky above the ceremony below.

In closing, Sgt. Gauthier said, “I believe, we have upon ourselves as [a] duty to the next generation, to share. Because it doesn’t matter where the battle was, the story and memory is there. And to paraphrase our President Lincoln, ‘It’s our job as the living to honor their lives and continue the mission that they fought for, which is… this country.’” Gauthier reverently finished citing the well-known, wartime remembrance “All gave some, some gave all.”