Story and photos by Chris Stone

It was the 114th Memorial Service and Day of Remembrance at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in Point Loma. But for many this Memorial Day, it was as momentous as the first.

William Ford, 2, gazes at Fort Rosecrans gravestone on Memorial Day. His mother came to honor her father.
William Ford, 2, gazes at gravestone on Memorial Day. His mother came to honor her father.

“This is phenomenal,” said Jim Hogan, father of Navy Lance Cpl. Donald Hogan, who died in Afghanistan in 2009. “San Diego does more as a community to honor the fallen than anyone else. There’s no better place to be a sailor, Marine or soldier than San Diego.”

Local luminaries including Councilman Todd Gloria, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and new Assembly Speaker Toni Akins of San Diego joined thousands at the services on a bright and breezy morning.

Maj. Gen. Steven Busby gave the Memorial Day address. Busby, commander of the Third Marine Aircraft Wing, shared speaking honors with the Rev. Dennis Ginoza, who gave the invocation; Al Rago, discussing the meaning of military honors; Daniel Hanson, a young Marine who recited the Gettysburg Address; and Bradley Phillips, memorial service director with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Grossmont High School’s NJROTC advanced the colors (and raised and lowered the flag), and the Marine Band San Diego played the national anthem. The Sons of the American Revolution did the ceremonial three volley rifle salute, and the San Pasqual Battlefield Volunteer Association fired a cannon.

On Saturday, Boy Scouts from San Diego and Imperial counties placed flags before every headstone. But 10News noted some missing flags.

William Ford, 2, gazes at gravestone on Memorial Day. His mother came to honor her father.
Marine Band San Diego performed at the beginning and end of the service.
Maj. Gen Steven Busby hands medal to Landon Martinez, whose father was killed in Iraq.
San Diego City Councilman Todd Gloria visits with Medal of Honor recipient Col. Bob Modrzejewski
Members of the San Diego Military Historical Association drove a vintage jeep.
Pictures from a recent war were attached to a few flags at Fort Rosecrans.
Grave site of Donald Gary was decorated for Memorial Day.
Marine looks on as Daniel Hanson recites the Gettysburg Address.
Dignitaries listen to speeches at the 114th annual Memorial Day service.
Man dressed in vintage uniform pays respects at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
Maj. Gen. Steven Busby addressed thousands at Memorial Day service.
John Bogardus, a retired first sergeant in the Army, salutes during taps.
The San Pasqual Battlefield contingent fired cannon near end of the service.
Marine Band musician is reflected as he plays instrument.
VFW member Glen Silvers had front-row seat at Fort Rosecrans memorial service.
VFW member attends Fort Rosecrans memorial service.
Landon Martinez, 8, son of fallen soldier, listens to invocation.
Sgt. Maj. Bill Paxton, a retired Marine, leads the audience in Pledge of Allegiance.
Robert Carr, representing the 6th U.S. Infantry, recited General Order No. 11.
Flag was used as shade during 10 a.m. service on breezy day.
Councilman Todd Gloria listened to invocation.
Young girl walked among the graves during the service.
A member of the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution performed color guard duty.
Family members decorated graves at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
Family members decorated graves at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
Jeff Simonides, chairman of the Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day committee, hands a flag to a Gold Star mother.
Jeff Simonides, chairman of the Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day committee, shakes hands with Jim Hogan, whose son, Lance Cpl. Donald Hogan, was killed in Afghanistan in 2009.
Layla, 4, waves flag on her aunt Tracy Lucore’s lap.
Jeff Simonides, chairman of the Memorial Day committee, speaks at Fort Rosecrans.
World War II and Korean War veteran Eddie Castillo salutes as wreaths are presented.
Wreaths were laid at the Casket of the Unknown Soldier.
Flags planted by local Scouts deocorated thousands of headstones at Fort Rosecrans.
Member of the local Sons of the American Revolution chapter stands at attention.
Visitor walks along wall honoring entombed veterans at Fort Rosecrans.
Ian Kelly of Gordon Highlanders Bagpipers played in honor of a friend’s father and during the ceremony.
Family members decorated graves at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
Family members decorated graves at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
Marine Band San Diego played at start and close of service.
First Sgt. Charlie Lewis of Montford Point Marine Association attended the service.
Local members of the Sons of the American Revolution also presented flags.
Grossmont High School NJROTC took part in service.
Color guard present flags at opening of services.
Veterans salute during color guard advance.
Visitors attend Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day services.
Bryan Caraveo, master of ceremonies, introduced speakers at the 114th annual Memorial Day service at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
Visitor salutes at Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day services.
Candace Satterlee says she was there to honor her father, brother, grandfathers and son. Her son just joined the Navy.
Holding a flag he just received, Landon Martinez, 8, honored his father, Sgt. Michael J. Martinez, killed in 2007 in Iraq. Michael Martinez, a Chula Vistan who attended Eastlake High School, was killed in his second tour.