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!
