Health & Fitness
Decoto Veterans Memorial
On November 10th, 1946, the Decoto Veterans Memorial was dedicated. The main organizer for the memorial was Raymond Pagan, who was assisted by Ralph Lopez, Antonio Torquemada, Louie Guiterrez, Jose Juarez, and Genaro Arenas. The men were able to raise $3,000 to pay for the memorial.
The dedication ceremony was a full community event, with many local businesses and groups contributing to the event. The Jos. Graham Mfg. Co. donated funds, California Nursery donated potted plants and flowers, Colma Mill Company donated lumber for railing and steps for the stage, Mercury Radio donated the use of loudspeakers, etc.
A parade held for the event, with the Washington Union High School band leading the parade. Others in the parade were Boy Scouts, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Junior Traffic Patrol, and Gold Star Mothers. The Gold Star mothers were Maria Gonzales, Leonora Santiago, Natividad Garcia, Emily Del Toro, Amalio Merino, Maria Mesa, Maria Arroyo, Minnie Caldeira and Maria Nunes.
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The master of ceremonies was L. W. Musick, principal of Decoto Elementary school. Guest speaker was E. D. Bristow, past commander of the American Legion. Giving the invocation was Father Thomas Henessy of Niles, with Rev. Edward A. Groves of Centerville, giving the benediction.
