Memorial Day Ceremony honors fallen patriots
The spirit of patriotism was tangible at Sunset Hills Cemetery on May 27 as dozens gathered for the annual Memorial Day Ceremony in Corning hosted by the David L. Blanchard VFW Post #4218, Disabled American Veterans #115, American Legion Raisner Post #45 and their auxiliaries.
In preparation for the event, several volunteers on May 24 placed American flags at the graveside of each military veterans’ grave at the cemetery, thus giving the ceremony a backdrop of waving red, white and blue.
These flags were joined by the Corning Volunteer Fire Department’s extra-large U.S. Flag billowing from the department’s extended ladder truck and a flag hanging at half-mast from the cemetery’s flag pole.
This atmosphere set the scene for VFW Commander Michael Taylor to welcome the guests as he said, “This ceremony is not for us. It is for our veterans who lie beneath these U.S. flags all over the world.”
He introduced VFW Chaplain Dennis Wyman who in his invocation asked the Lord to bless all the souls who gave the ultimate sacrifice in serving their country.
Everyone stood as Sherry Fissori sang the National Anthem and Taylor led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Serving as guest speaker was David Price, a member of American Legion Raisner Post #45. He spoke about three servicemen who are buried at Sunset Hills Cemetery – U.S. Marine Private France Silva, and two brothers for whom the local American Legion Raisner Post is named in honor, William Howard Raisner and Charles Clement Raisner.
Silva joined the U.S. Marines in 1899 and was assigned to the USS Newark. In 1900 Silva was shot in the elbow, the bullet continuing into his chest during the Boxer Rebellion in China. He returned to Mare Island where he was awarded the Medal of Honor in December 1901.
“He was the first Marine of Mexican-American Hispanic Heritage to be so honored,” Price said. Silva died in Tehama County and was buried at Sunset Hill Cemetery.
The Raiser brothers were the first and third sons of William and Elizabeth Raisner. The family moved to Corning in 1908, both boys graduating from Corning High School.
When World War I was declared, William Raisner enlisted in the U.S. Army Corps in December 1917.
“As a Lieutenant Signal Officer to the 213 Aero Squadron, his unit set sail for England on the Cunard Luxury Liner Tuscania, in January 1918,” Price said. “He was one of 345 men lost when the Tuscania was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine off the coast of Ireland on Feb. 5, 1918.” Raisner was 26-years-old.
The younger brother, Charles Raisner, enlisted in the Army in October 1917.
“He arrived in France in August 1918 with the 91st Infantry Division,” Price shared. “He was in the battle of Argonne I September and killed in action Oct. 2, 1918 by artillery fire while stringing communication lines. He was 22-years-old.”
Another Raisner brother, Wilber, also fought in the war, but survived.
“The other two brothers were too young to serve,” Price explained.
The remains of both William and Charles were returned to Corning and buried at Sunset Hills Cemetery.
“A century ago these brothers answered their country's call to arms,” Price added. “The heroes we remember today are not exclusive to any gender, race or religion. They are a diverse group wedded to the common principle that America is a nation worth dying for.”
The Corning High School Cardinal band played several patriotic songs, with member Junia Bustamante providing the ceremony’s Bugle Salute, “Taps”.
The Corning Veterans Honor Guard provided the Rifle Salute and local members of Boy Scouts performed the Laying of Commemorative Wreaths at the base of the Veterans Memorial Obelisk.
The ceremony closed with Chaplain Dennis Wyman giving a closing prayer.
Taylor invited everyone in attendance to join in a hamburger and hotdog luncheon served at the Corning Veterans Memorial Hall following the ceremony.
