City turns out to honor heroic vets

More than 100 community members came to the City of Canyon Lake Veteran’s Memorial Saturday morning to honor those veterans who gave their lives for their country. The city’s Memorial Day Celebration was held on Saturday to free up the Memorial Day holiday on Monday for family events, City Mayor Kasey Castillo said.

City of Canyon Lake Mayor Kasey Castillo participates in Mayor Pro-Tem Jeremy Smith’s prayer at the City of Canyon Lake Memorial Day Celebration Saturday. Over 100 people attended the event at the Canyon Lake Town Center. Photo provided by City of Canyon Lake

The keynote speaker was State Assemblymember Kelly Sayarto who represents the City of Canyon Lake in the California Assembly.

“Thank you to the City of Canyon Lake for hosting a Memorial Day Celebration for the residents in our community,” State Assemblymember Kelly Sayarto said after the ceremony concluded. “It is so important that we take time to honor and remember those who have sacrificed everything to defend our freedoms.”

Flags and a wreath adorn the City of Canyon Lake Veteran’s Memorial in the Canyon Lake Town Center during the city’s Memorial Day Celebration Saturday. Photo provided by State Assemblymember Kelly Sayarto

Before the ceremony began, there was a golf cart procession organized by the Canyon Lake POA Board of Directors. The golf carts traveled down Canyon Lake Drive from the Eastport Park parking lot to the City Veterans Memorial located in the Canyon Lake Town Center.

“We want this to become an annual celebration of remembrance for the military,” Kasey said. “I am also grateful for committee staff who have volunteered all their time creating this.”

State Assemblymember Kelly Sayarto addresses the crowd at the City of Canyon Lake Memorial Day Celebration Saturday. Photo provided by the City of Canyon Lake

The ceremony included a bugler player who performed taps, a wreath-laying ceremony, and the speech by State Assemblymember Kelly Sayarto. City of Canyon Lake Mayor Pro-tem Jeremy Smith offered a prayer on behalf of the fallen military.

Afterward, city council members and staff posed with a military vehicle that was on display at the City Veterans Memorial site.