Community Engagement
Wreaths Across America 2024
A Memorial Day Celebration was held on Monday, May 27, 2024, at the Temecula Public Cemetery commemorating over 300 veterans interred at our cemetery. We had the privilege of having as our Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker, Lt. Col. Michael P. Good, USAF of Temecula Valley High School. His speech was inspirational, motivational, and enlightening and was enjoyed by everyone in attendance.
A special tribute was paid to Leslie Tourtillotte, a U.S. Army veteran stationed in France and Germany during his tour of duty. Mr. Tourtillotte was honored as the most recent veteran buried at the cemetery. His daughters, Selena and Rachel Tourtillotte were in attendance and was grateful for featuring their dad on this special day. They stated that “It was so cool to be included. What a great event.”
The Temecula Public Cemetery District was joined by the Knights of Columbus Padre Pio Assembly #2247 in hosting the commemoration along with members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Luiseno Chapter, who sang the National Anthem and concluded the ceremony with a Bugler who performed a touching rendition of Taps.
Special thanks go to the Temecula Public Cemetery Board of Trustees, the Temecula Valley High School Junior ROTC Color Guards, the Boy Scouts of America, California Inland Empire Council Troop 301, and the Chaparral High School Adult Transition Program. These organizations volunteered their time and talents before, during and after the event. Their contribution helped make this important event a success!
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The National Wreaths Across America Day Ceremony was held on Saturday, December 16, 2023, across the nation. The ceremony began with a welcome greeting from the Board of Trustees Chairperson, Craig Davis followed by the presentation of colors by the Vista Murrieta High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and the National Anthem, sung by the Vista Murrieta High School Choir Program. The cemetery was honored to have as our ceremony speaker, City of Temecula Council Member, SSgt. Jessica Alexander who delivered heartwarming opening remarks prior to the laying of wreaths. The live balsam fir wreaths symbolize our honor to those who have served and are serving in the armed forces and to their families who endure sacrifices every day on our behalf.
We are grateful to the groups who volunteered their time on this exciting and special day. Our appreciation goes to the City of Temecula Council Member, SSgt. Jessica Alexander, Vista Murrieta High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Color Guard Cadets, Vista Murrieta High School Choir Program, The Boy Scouts of America California Inland Empire Council Troop 301, the Temecula Valley School District Adult Transition, the Temecula Public Cemetery Board of Trustees, and members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Luiseno Chapter. A special thank you to John Torres of United Van Lines who volunteered to transport and deliver the wreaths to our location from Arizona. Our thanks also go out to the residents of Temecula who attended and participated in the laying of wreaths The Temecula Public Cemetery District joined Wreaths Across America in the mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach, as an official location for 2023. This was our third year participating in this national program. We were one of more than 3,700 participating locations across the country to remember the fallen and honor those who serve. We are proud to receive a donation of 348 wreaths to place on our cemetery grounds, with each wreath representing a gift of appreciation from a grateful community.
The National Wreaths Across America Day Ceremony was held on Saturday, December 16, 2023, across the nation. The ceremony began with a welcome greeting from the Board of Trustees Chairperson, Craig Davis followed by the presentation of colors by the Vista Murrieta High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and the National Anthem, sung by the Vista Murrieta High School Choir Program. The cemetery was honored to have as our ceremony speaker, City of Temecula Council Member, SSgt. Jessica Alexander who delivered heartwarming opening remarks prior to the laying of wreaths. The live balsam fir wreaths symbolize our honor to those who have served and are serving in the armed forces and to their families who endure sacrifices every day on our behalf.
We are grateful to the groups who volunteered their time on this exciting and special day. Our appreciation goes to the City of Temecula Council Member, SSgt. Jessica Alexander, Vista Murrieta High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Color Guard Cadets, Vista Murrieta High School Choir Program, The Boy Scouts of America California Inland Empire Council Troop 301, the Temecula Valley School District Adult Transition, the Temecula Public Cemetery Board of Trustees, and members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Luiseno Chapter. A special thank you to John Torres of United Van Lines who volunteered to transport and deliver the wreaths to our location from Arizona. Our thanks also go out to the residents of Temecula who attended and participated in the laying of wreaths
www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/CATPCD www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/CATPCD
May 29, 2023 Memorial Day Celebration
