Gathering to remember those who died fighting for the U.S.

By Kathryn Reed

Patty Smith has a simple request – fly the American flag every day, not just a couple days a year.

Through tears, the South Lake Tahoe woman talked briefly about her son, Timmy, who died in the Iraq conflict. She talked about the need to remember and honor soldiers every day of the year.

Adam and Aaron Johnson at South Lake Tahoe's Memorial Day service. Photos/Kathryn Reed

The Smith family was in the front row Monday during the annual Memorial Day service at Happy Homestead Cemetery.

Under a mostly cloudy sky, the stars and stripes fluttered in the breeze. Gravesite after gravesite had a flag – symbolizing the vast number of veterans who have called South Lake Tahoe home.

More than 100 people turned out for the 45-minute tribute to the men and women in uniform who have died fighting for the United States. All ages were represented – some too young to even wear a Scout uniform, some old enough to remember Pearl Harbor.

Members of the American Legion Post 795 Stella Van Dyke Johnson spearheaded the festivities. As tradition would have it, Margo Asti was the soloist, the Junior ROTC presented colors, and the Black Bear Piper Band played Taps.

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