Veterans Day Memorialand Flag Retirement CeremonyNovember 11, 2009Fernandez Park, Pinole, CA

Veterans from VFW Post 2798 in Pinole and others came from all over the county

The fallen soldier memorialreminded people why they were there

St. Joseph School students and the Pinole Valley High School Marching Band participated

Jeff Rubin, of the Pinole Historical Society and the Pinole Community Services Commission, was the emcee

The Pinole Police Explorers Color Guardpresented the colors

West Contra Costa Girl Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance

Scouts saluted during thePledge of Allegiance

Mayor Pro Tem Debbie Long spoke on behalf of the Pinole City Council

Pinole Youth Commissioners read poems honoring veterans

VFW Commander Carl Petersdorf spoke on behalf of all veterans

PinoleHistoricalSociety VicePresidentGeorge Vincentand his wife,Christie, rang abell to honoreach ofPinoles war dead

Ginger Hohm sang Amazing Grace

Jack Meehan spoke about the constitution and our freedoms

Pinole Youth Commissioners read poemshonoring the United States flag

Boy Scout Troop 86Troop GuideDaniel Marieiroconducted the flag retirementceremony

SpectatorJohn Schiltrelaxedduring theceremony

Boy Scouts retired three flags at a time

A final salute for the flag

Bugler Garrett Dibbleplayed tapsfor all of the retired flags

Nineteen flags were retired

The last flag had 48 stars

It was a very large flag

The entire troop carried it toits final resting place

The fierycauldronin which the flagswereretired

Pinole Historical Society PresidentMarcia Kalapus made the closing remarks

Pinole Community TVCable AccessCoordinatorDave Snell and his crewdid a great job televising the live event.

THANK YOU TO:Pinole Historical SocietyCity of PinolePinole Police Department ExplorersPinole Community TelevisionPinole Youth CommissionPinole Valley High School Marching BandGinger HohmSt. Joseph SchoolVFW Post 2798 of PinoleBoy Scout Troop 86 of PinoleWest Contra Costa Girl Scouts